Local elections 2023: Labour take 'key target' Swindon

Labour have taken control of Swindon Borough Council for the first time in 20 years.

Conservative group leader David Renard also lost his seat, ousted by Labour candidate Stanka Adamcova by more than 650 votes.

Labour made gains across the town, and crossed the winning threshold just before 14:00 BST.

Leader Jim Robbins thanked the party's volunteers, saying it had been "amazing to feel such outstanding support".

Swindon, which has long been seen as a key reflector of the national election picture, was a key target for Labour.

With 19 seats of a total of 57 in the chamber up for grabs, Labour needed to hold the six it came in with and pick up at least another six to win control. In the end, the party gained 10.

The Conservatives ended up holding just two seats and losing 10, while the Lib Dems gained a vacant seat. 

The final make-up of the council is now Labour with 33 seats, Conservatives on 22, Independent one and the Lib Dems one. 

Some Conservatives told the BBC they were feeling "decimated" - not just losing the seats they knew would be close, but also several areas traditionally seen as Tory heartlands.

Mr Renard said: "This is a result following a pattern being seen across the country, and many people are voting on national issues and not local ones. 

"I'm disappointed we couldn't get our message across about the achievements and record of the council here with the national picture being against us." 

Mr Robbins said he was aware that the real work starts now. 

He said: "I'm overjoyed that all the hard work that everyone in the group and in the party in Swindon has paid off so well. 

"And it's a relief that it went so well here as well as elsewhere in the country. 

"But I'm conscious that we're taking over the council at a time of extreme financial challenge."

Labour gaining Swindon is significant. It was a key target for them, and where they launched their locals campaign.

While we thought Labour would make inroads, we were not sure that they would take control.

It is the third direct Conservative to Labour flip of the day.

Labour has not won the council there since 1999 and it has two Tory MPs - seats that Labour will be hoping to pick up next year.

It is a thirds council, so harder to take, and voted leave.

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