Local elections are a common occurrence in Swindon.

Disruption caused by global pandemics aside, in the normal course of events the people of Swindon get to vote for a third of their councillors for three out of four years.

This year the elections may also be one factor in the fate of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

As Partygate continues to exert a hold over British politics and the PM having accepted a fine from the police for at least one party breaking Covid laws, many see the local election results as being a significant factor in how his backbenchers see his prospects.

Bad losses for the Conservatives might spook Tory MPs, such as Swindon’s Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson, into seeing the need to replace their leader. But minimal losses or gains for the party should see his support among his MPs and party members bolstered.

As ever, Swindon is seen as a bellwether in these matters.

In 2019 there was much attention on Swindon because the ruling Conservative group had a very slim majority going into the elections, at a time of some difficulty nationally for the party.

But the Conservatives in Euclid Street had a significant boost, winning more seats and taking seats from Labour – and that was played out in the general election in December that year, with several northern Labour seats falling to the Tories, giving Mr Johnson a majority of 80.

In last year’s delayed elections the Conservatives in Swindon increased their majority again.

Now all eyes will be on May 5 to see whether much can be  read into how the voters across the country feel about the Prime Minister, his government and his party.

It will also, be a verdict by Swindon voters on the Conservative administration of David Renard.

Councillor Renard has managed to continue to grow his majority and has also managed to see off challenges form his own cabinet members over the last two years.

First fellow Haydon Wick Conservative councillor Oliver Donachie fell out with Coun Renard spectacularly in 2020 – but a promise to mobilise support against the Conservatives by Mr Donachie came to nothing.

Then after the 2021 elections a leadership challenge by Russell Holland, Coun Renard’s then deputy, was defeated by what was said to be a narrow margin.

Over the last coupe of years Coun Renard has presided over some notable successes: the new Amazon warehouse at Gable Cross is an enormous investment in the town, and the blow of the Honda plant closing is softened a little by its taking on by developer Panattoni.

But the Oasis centre remains shut, the snow centre has not been built, and the town centre continues to struggle. These things are not in the council’s direct control – but unhappiness about them may well be expressed at the ballot box.

The local Conservatives’ capture of traditional Labour seats in Penhill & Upper Stratton, and Rodbourne Cheney in the last two elections have mirrored the party’s gains nationally.

It will be fascinating to see whether there is a similar reflection back, with the national party now behind in the polls, when voters go to cast their vote in two weeks’ time.

There are 19 wards being contested in this year’s election, with 18 of those wards having three councillors, and one Chiseldon & Lawn having two.

The elections will be held on Thursday May 5. The votes will be counted and results announced on Friday may 6.

The deadline for registering to vote in these elections has passed, but you can register to vote in future local and national elections at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote