David Renard and Oliver Donachie The election of Coun Tomlinson in Priory Vale my turn the page on a difficult chapter in north Swindon Conservative politics. Until May 2020, Emma Faramarzi, whose resignation triggered this week’s by-election, was a senior member of the ruling Conservative group. She had been a member of the cabinet and was the chairman of an influential overview and scrutiny committee. Her partner Oliver Donachie was the cabinet member with responsibility for the economy in the cabinet of his fellow Haydon Wick councillor David Renard. But relations between Coun Renard and, in particular, Coun Donachie broke down at some point.
David Renard and Oliver Donachie The election of Coun Tomlinson in Priory Vale my turn the page on a difficult chapter in north Swindon Conservative politics. Until May 2020, Emma Faramarzi, whose resignation triggered this week’s by-election, was a senior member of the ruling Conservative group. She had been a member of the cabinet and was the chairman of an influential overview and scrutiny committee. Her partner Oliver Donachie was the cabinet member with responsibility for the economy in the cabinet of his fellow Haydon Wick councillor David Renard. But relations between Coun Renard and, in particular, Coun Donachie broke down at some point.
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Swindon Borough Council leader with new councillors Sudha Nukana (Rodbourne Cheney) and Daniel Smith (Penhill & Upper Stratton) THE Conservatives strengthened their grip on power in Swindon as Labour’s red wall in the centre of town collapsed. As votes were counted at Steam yesterday, the Tories always looked likely to hold on to their majority in Euclid Street. But on a day to remember for the party up and down the country they sealed the deal with three stunning victories in Penhill & Upper Stratton, Rodbourne Cheney and Central. All three wards have been solid Labour seats until now – with even the loss of Penhill in 2019 attributable to a split Labour vote.
Arguments over the Oasis leisure centre dominated the debate over Swindon Borough Council’s budget for next year. But despite Liberal Democrat and Independent Tory support for a Labour proposal to guarantee £5m for the Oasis, and the ruling Conservative group having one councillor missing and one who initially voted the wrong way, the Conservative majority won and the administration’s budget was adopted. It will see a general fund of £153m for day-to-day spending over the next financial year, largely funded by council tax which will go up by 4.99 per cent. Nearly three per cent of the increase will be ringfenced to pay for adult social care.
1/1 WHILE Greens are the outsiders of Swindon politics – as they are often nationally – the local party is hoping 2021 might be different. With national politicians from the main parties talking about an economic and social green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, environmental campaigners in Swindon think this could be a chance to make inroads and take a seat or two in the council chamber. Elections agent Andy Day said the group was pleased the May vote is going ahead in the first place. He said: "We contacted both Swindon MPs last year, urging them to ensure that the local elections go ahead – and can go ahead safely.
THE Conservatives emerged from the 2019 Swindon elections looking stronger than ever. They entered polling day with a majority small enough to attract TV news crews to the Oasis centre, sniffing a possible change – but by the end of the night had a five-seat majority. If elections had been held last year as scheduled, David Renard’s administration would have been confident of keeping control of the chamber and enjoying a year off from campaigning this spring. Former Conservative prime minister Harold Macmillan said the thing that most affected governments and prime ministers was “events, dear boy, events”. And there have definitely been some events since May 2019 – but the council leader has reason to be optimistic
Oliver Donachie and Emma Faramarzi have formed the Independent Tories and will look to shift the balance of power in May’s local elections There will be a potentially very significant new factor in May’s local elections in Swindon – assuming they go ahead. The Independent Tories, a two-councillor group made up of former Conservatives Oliver Donachie and Emma Faramarzi, are aiming to be fielding candidates in every marginal ward. And if that happens then it's possible they could affect the Conservative vote – and potentially bring about a change in administration for Swindon Borough Council. De facto leader Coun Donachie said: “We are here to provide a credible alternative to people who feel the Conservative group led by David Renard is failing the people of Swindon but they do not wish to vote for the Labour party to do so.