12/01/06 - Cllr David Wren Joins The Conservatives

Cllr Justin Tomlinson (Left) and Cllr Mike Bawden (Right)
welcome Cllr David Wren to the Conservative Group.

A former Labour councillor has defected to the Conservative group amid rumours that there could be more changes to come on Swindon Council.

Dorcan councillor David Wren officially signed the papers yesterday to join the Tory group.

Coun Wren has been one of four Labour councillors to resign under Coun Kevin Small's leadership of the group.

The others are Coun Andy Harrison (Penhill) late last year, Coun Sinead Darker (Central), and former councillor John Taylor, who used to represent the Central ward.

Coun Darker yesterday confirmed that she is seriously considering joining the Tories, but has not made up her mind yet, and there is conjecture that Coun Geraldine Frost, currently an independent, could follow suit.

Coun Wren, as a new member of the Conservative group, will also play a key part in the North Swindon Conservative campaign team.

He quit the Labour group eight months ago and has been sitting as an independent since then.

He said: "The Tories have proved that they are committed to improving the facilities and services to the people of Swindon while keeping to a tightly managed budget.

"The turnaround in the town's fortunes under the Conservative administration is impressive and I fully support their innovative plans for the town's regeneration and growth. The Labour group has been floundering since it lost power and have lost its way.

"As a local councillor, my priorities are the people first and the Tories have shown that they are working in the best interests of the town."

Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) has recently been fast-tracked to contest the North Swindon seat at the next General Election.

He said: "Having worked with David since 2002, I have seen first-hand how hard-working and well-respected he is.

"David will be an excellent addition to the North Swindon campaign team where we focus on local action, helping us to build on the phenomenal gains of the 2003 and 2004 local elections."

Last month the Prime Minister praised Swindon Council in the House of Commons after it received two stars in a Government inspection. It received no stars a couple of years earlier.

Council leader Mike Bawden said the defection to the Tories was another boost for the council, and said: "We are delighted that David Wren will be joining us.

"We have worked extremely hard to turn Swindon Council around, and I welcome David's positive remarks.

"It is clear the Conservatives are making a real difference in Swindon. I very much look forward to David playing a key part in the continuing improvements in Swindon Council."