Gary Sumner

Swindon Borough Council leader Gary Sumner outlines the priorities of the new minority Conservative administration following its first full council meeting. He says the council will seek cross-party cooperation while opposing national planning reforms that could reduce ward councillors’ and parish councils’ ability to request public committee consideration. Other priorities include expanding support for the armed forces community, strengthening scrutiny committees, reducing reliance on exceptional financial support from £14.7 million to £5.1 million for 2025/26, and developing a new council plan and sustainable medium-term financial strategy. A town-centre clean-up is also planned to deliver visible improvements to streets and public spaces.