David Renard, left, and Russell Holland are vying for the council leadership tonight
Swindon Borough Council could have a new leader tomorrow. Both the Conservative and Labour groups of councillors are to meet tonight to vote on their respective leaders for the coming council year. And David Renard, the Conservative leader for eight years, faces a challenge from deputy Russell Holland, the cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills who oversees the council’s budget and finances. Coun Holland is standing for leader in a joint bid with fellow cabinet member Gary Sumner – who has responsibility for strategic planning and infrastructure and who would be deputy.