There are some familiar faces disappearing from the roll-call of Swindon Borough Councillors after the local elections in May.

Seven councillors - all of them Conservatives - are stepping down at the election.

Three former councillors are looking to win a seat to be able to return to the chamber and two sitting members are standing in a different ward.

The most well-known of the members standing down are probably Councillor Brian Ford, a former long-serving cabinet member for adults and health who was first elected in 1986, and former deputy leader and cabinet member for finance Councillor Russell Holland, stepping down after 17 years.

The other members stepping down have all done so after just one term, which, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic ran from 2021; they are John Jackson in Haydon Wick. Curtis Flux in Liden, Eldene & Park South; Dan Smith in Penhill & Upper Stratton and Jo Morris in Priory Vale.

Councillor Dave Martyn stepped down from Wroughton & Wichelstowe in March. He also served three years, winning elections in 2021 and 2022, but resigned halfway through his four-year term.

Conservative Vinay Manro will attempt to win back the Priory Vale seat he lost last year while Bazil Solomon, also unseated in 2023, will try his luck in Old Town. Liberal Democrat Stan Pajak hopes he can win in Wroughton & Wichelstowe, returning after a three-year absence.

The sitting cabinet member for adult social care Councillor Ray Ballman will stand in Haydon Wick, vacating her Gorse Hill & Pinehurst seat, and former Conservative cabinet member Matty Courtliff will contest Wroughton & Wichelstowe, moving from Lydiard & Freshbrook.