David Renard, the leader of Swindon Borough Council, faces another challenge for his job.
Conservative councillors meeting tonight at 6pm for their annual general meeting will be asked to choose between Coun Renard, who has been leader since 2013, and Vinay Manro – the cabinet member for organisational excellence at the authority - as the leader of the party and therefore the council.

The deputy leader Gary Sumner also faces a challenger - Dan Smith, who was elected for Penhill & Upper Stratton last year.

Coun Renard, who survived a challenge from his then deputy leader Russell Holland by the narrowest of margins last year said: “This is part of the democratic process.

“I welcome the challenge and I look forward to getting as much support from colleagues as possible.

"I shall be judged on the achievements of the last 12 months, and the councillors will decide on the direction we take for the next year.”

Challenger Coun Manro said: “I’m a believer that we should always be looking to improve the council. It’ll never be perfect, but it can improve.

“I think it's important the group members have a choice and I’m standing to give them a choice, if there is no alternative that may give the impression that everyone is happy with the situation as it is, and that’s not the case.

“The local election results showed the impact of the national picture, but that shouldn’t mask the impact of local issues which were clear on the doorstep."

The deputy leader Coun Sumner, who is the cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, transport and planning, has been in the job for just a year.

He fought off a challenge from former cabinet member Dale Heenan last year.

He said: “This is an annual thing and challenge is welcomed.”

Coun Smith said: “Although I’ve only been on the council a year, I’ve seen enough to suggest things need to change.

"I’d like to see a much more collaborative approach between the leadership and ward members of both parties.

“We all want what’s best for Swindon, but too often that it’s being delivered by this administration.”

The challenge comes just days after the Conservatives lost a net three seats, including two in their heartlands in Priory Vale and Haydon Wick, Coun Renard’s new constituency.

The new group leader will take over leadership of the council with a majority cut from 17 to 11, still a more-than-working majority.

The meeting starts at 6pm tonight, Monday May 9.

We shall bring you the outcome tomorrow.