GENERAL ELECTION SPECIAL - Swindon prepares for a political tsunami
Candidates at the ready! And they're off!
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For the next few weeks Swindon will be at the centre of UK politics as the country once again goes to the polls
Swindon has always been regarded as a bellwether town when it comes to politics. Commentators and politicians alike will be watching closely over the next few weeks to see how the town votes as they know that whichever direction we go in, the country will follow.
By Jamie Hill
The weather never stays on script.
It seemed quite fitting that as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the forthcoming 4 July election outside of 10 Downing Street yesterday that he was soaked to the bone by a rainstorm.
Depending on which political way you lean you will definitely see it as symbolic.
If you’re Tory you might see it as a Prime Minister who is braving the elements like he has braved all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that have been thrown his way.
Or if you’re a supporter of one of the opposition parties, you might see his premiership ending quite rightly in a damp squib.
Obviously there weren’t enough spin doctors to hand to have the foresight to simply give the man an umbrella.
It’s seemed to us at The Ink that we’ve been on an election footing all year. We’ve had politicians aplenty grace Swindon with their presence including Rishi himself, who made a hurricane visit at the start of March to celebrate the ground-breaking of the Panattoni Park site in South Marston - the old Honda site.
For us journalists at The Ink, a General Election is like our World Cup, although this particular election might be slightly overshadowed by another football tournament - The Euros, with the election happening bang smack in the middle of it.
We’re a bit sad like that but we wear our political geek hats with pride.
But, hopefully, we won’t inundate you as we will still be having our normal coverage but at the same time we will be giving you all the insight you need on this election and how it will affect Swindon.
For you Euro fans though we will still be having STFC writer Sam Morshead’s coverage on a Monday.
We will be endeavouring to talk to all the major players involved giving you the gist of what they stand for and what they will do to improve our town.
It’s definitely going to be a hard fought contest in our town and unless you have been sleeping under a rock you will know that Labour have been pulling out all the stops to try and win Swindonians over.
It was only last week that Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner held an impromptu rally in a Swindon car park to launch the political party’s six ‘pledges’ or ‘steps’ as they call them.
It might feel that we’re all a bit politically punch drunk especially as it’s only a couple of weeks since the borough council elections took place, where Labour increased their working majority quite convincingly.
We’ve already had a thousand fliers on our doormats as well as politicians of every stripe on our doorsteps.
Well, you’ve not seen nothing yet as that bombardment will only get more intense as we head to Thursday 4 July.
It’s an interesting date to choose, that one. I’ve already seen memes with Rishi Sunak replacing Tom Cruise on a poster for ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ with the film renamed ‘Gone on the Fourth of July’. Yes. The internet wits have already been out in full force.
During this campaign we will be there to follow every gaffe and to get under the skin of what politicians really mean by their pledges and what it will mean for the town as well as fact-checking where we can.
In Swindon though, it will be a battle of two main parties. The Conservatives and Labour.
The current Tory MPs are Robert Buckland, a political heavyweight and former Cabinet Minister, who represents South Swindon.
And local lad done good Justin Tomlinson who represents North Swindon.
Both of their seats are up for grabs with Labour fielding Heidi Alexander who is turning her sights on South Swindon and another local boy done good Will Stone vying for North Swindon.
And it’s all to play for.
South Swindon looks slightly more precarious as Robert Buckland’s majority from 2019 stands at 6,625.
North Swindon looks a slightly safer bet on paper with Justin Tomlinson’s majority a more impressive 16,171.
But with the current polls showing a huge swing in Labour’s favour both of those majorities could easily be eroded and both Justin and Robert could be unseated with Labour storming to victory.
A lot depends on the other parties like The Greens, The Liberal Democrats and Reform who will be fielding candidates in Swindon and how their vote share takes away from the two main parties.
Reacting to the news of a General Election, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “I am the experienced, local candidate, having represented our community for 24 years now, firstly as a Councillor and now as the MP.
“I was voted the 2nd most helpful MP out of 650 on casework and one of the highest voting and speaking records in Parliament. As I have shown with recent votes on unnecessary targets, the infected blood scandal and tighter rules for holding MP’s to account I will always vote for what I think is right, not what I am told.
“Locally, I have worked closely with businesses, community, sports and charitable groups – helping raise over £300,000.
“This election will be fought on who will be trusted to maintain economic stability, which is crucial for rising wages, good jobs, investment in public services and the defence of our country. Here in Swindon this has made a real difference: 12,000 more people in work, the new Urgent & Radiotherapy Centres, the new £30m A&E which will open shortly, the £21m Institute of Technology, brand new Primary & Secondary schools, 164 additional Police Officers and the £900m Panattoni development on the former Honda site.
“Whether it is national, or local issues – I have, and will continue to always be a strong voice for our community.”
His opposite number in North Swindon is Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Will Stone, who said: “"I am beyond delighted that the General election has finally been called.
“The public have been crying out for it. It's time for change. It's time for Labour and I am proud to be the candidate for Swindon North - the town where I was born and raised."
In South Swindon Labour candidate Heidi Alexander said: “This General Election is undoubtedly what the country needs.
“It’s been one thing after another in the last few years. The lies of Boris Johnson. Liz Truss sending mortgage rates soaring. Nothing works any more.
“Swindon’s crying out for investment and we can’t limp on the way we have been. It’s time for some fresh energy and fresh ideas.
“I’m really looking forward to the campaign in Swindon. It would be the privilege of my life to represent my home town in Parliament and I hope that over the next few weeks I will be able to convince people that a vote for me - and for Labour - is a vote to give our town its future back.”
One other party in Swindon that has been very quick to react to the news of a General Election is The Green Party.
On hearing the announcement, Andy Bentley, the Green Party candidate for North Swindon, said "It's about time. I look forward to promoting the Green Party's positive message of real change. We are the *only* party telling the truth about the enormous challenges that the country faces, and the only party with the policies and commitment to tackle them."
According to the Greens, the Conservatives are breaking Britain by destroying public services, wrecking the climate and ruining the natural environment. They say that Keir Starmer's Labour Party has shown none of the ambition or commitment that this country needs to make a real difference.
Nationally, the Green Party has said that the need for powerful Green voices in parliament has never been greater in what is a now or never decade for global warming. According to them, only Greens can be trusted to fight for people and the planet, to have the courage to hold the next Government to account, and push for real climate action.
Rod Hebden, standing for the Greens in Swindon South, said "The past 14 years of Conservative Government have been disastrous, with Labour now on track to win by a landslide as people are desperate for change.
“But Labour have failed to convince anyone that they will provide a real difference, with Keir Starmer flip-flopping and watering down policies. Only the Green Party have the policies and plans to tackle climate change, create a fair tax system and put people and planet first."
With a big gap in the polls, the Greens believe that there will be less pressure on people to vote tactically.
According to Rod Hebden: "This year, people will be free to vote for the issues that really matter to them. You don't have to vote for the least worst option. This year, you can vote for what you believe in."
Unfortunately South Swindon MP Robert Buckland was not available to give us a comment for this article.
But whatever happens it’s definitely going to be an interesting few weeks and Swindon will be at the heart of it.
The Ink Talk
An insightful look at the history of the Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange with John Stooke
The next Ink Community Talk will be held as part of the Old Town Festival on Thursday 6 June at St Mary's Church in The Mall.
The talk entitled 'Market Masons and Music' will start at 8pm.
Local author, historian and Swindon Society committee member John Stooke will guide you through a captivating chapter on the rich history of Swindon's Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange.
Embark on a journey starting from the Market Square in the 13th century, understand the era of Brown and Plummer wine merchants, the Masonic Years, the Rink Cinema and Skating Hub, and the iconic Locarno Ballroom which included of course, wrestling, skating, and most recently bingo.
Discover the evolution of this historic building including the plans Steve Rozier had to redevelop the grade 2 Listed facility and bring its broken walls back from the ashes. Importantly, perhaps understand where it all went wrong.
Don't miss this opportunity of an engaging talk and images that will bring the vibrant past of the Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange fully back to life, sadly in just a metaphorical sense for now.
The talk is given in support of Prospect Hospice with entry by donation. For more details visit www.thisisoldtown.com/fringe-events-list
The Swindon Link Magazine Archive
Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 45 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here
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Why do the media never mention the other option. To legally spoil your ballot paper (none of the above). Those who don't vote are simply dismissed as not interested but a bit of media spotlight on this valid option would make all the difference.
Dear Jamie, I am most disappointed to see that Sir Robert's statement has not been added as sent to you earlier, and as below:
“I have lived here in Swindon for the best part of twenty years, bringing up my family and being part of the community. First as a candidate, and then as a Member of Parliament.
“It has been the honour of my life to represent you as your Member of Parliament since 2010. I’ve spent those years fighting for you, campaigning for you, representing you, and speaking up for you in Westminster.
“I didn’t come into politics to just talk, I came into politics to do things, and I believe that we’ve done that here in Swindon.
“I’ve held hundreds of advice surgeries for residents, I’ve handled thousands of pieces of casework, and I’ve spoken up for those who don’t have a voice.
“We’ve come so far together since 2010, investing record amounts in our health services, including a brand new £26m Emergency Department at the Great Western Hospital and an £18m Government investment in the Radiotherapy Unit, which stops the need for that journey to Oxford for anybody who requires that vital treatment.
“The Railways made Swindon great, which is why I am glad that the Government has invested in the electrification of the Great Western mainline.
“We have invested yearly in that perennial issue of potholes, and in Swindon, we have upgraded major interchanges, including junction 15 and junction 16, and a host of other important roads.
“Serving our town as your MP, but also as a Criminal Lawyer, I have continued my life’s work of supporting our justice system and working to make our streets safer. Which is why, as Justice Secretary, I passed laws to make sure that serious, violent, and sexual offenders stayed in prison longer and made the sentencing system simpler and more straightforward. Plus, reforms to the law of domestic abuse and child cruelty.
“Here in Swindon, we’ve seen an extra 160 police officers locally and I will continue to work with the police and local residents to help make our town a safer and even better place to live.
“I’ve fought hard to help restore our much-loved industrial heritage here in Swindon, including £5m from the Government’s Towns Fund to start the refurbishment of the Health Hydro, and restoration of our community assets in the Railway Village and of course, the Carriage Works as well.
“Like many fellow residents, I am concerned about the future of our town centre, which is why I was proud to secure £26m in investment for the regeneration of Flemming Way, which will act as a real spur to growth and change in our town centre.”
“Through the Towns Fund, we have also used that money for the regeneration of our weekly market, which has also been an example of the success we have achieved through getting that Government investment in our town centre.
“Recently, the Prime Minister broke ground on the new development at the Honda site, which is going to bring around 11,000 new jobs and billions of pounds worth of investment into Swindon. I worked hard with the council and the developer to make sure that site got the planning permission that it needed, in order to see our town embark on a new generation of jobs, investment and growth.
“But of course, there is much more work to do, and as your local MP, I will continue campaigning on the issues that matter the most to you. Issues like free car parking here in the town centre, a better deal on rail fares for Swindon, more housing for younger people at a better cost, a workable plan to bring the Oasis back to life, and more investment and jobs of high quality. To make Swindon and even better place to work, live and play.
“We’ve come a long way as a town and a community since I was elected as your MP. But in order for me to continue that important work, I need your support, your vote at the election."
Kind regards,
Rebecca Clements
For and on behalf of Sir Robert Buckland