I’m writing this on the train back from Leeds, where I’ve been at the UKREiiF (The UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) investment and infrastructure conference.
It was a great opportunity to put Swindon on the map - talking to investors, developers and university leaders about our ambitious Heart of Swindon plan to regenerate the Town Centre and attract more jobs to the town.
The message we delivered was simple: Swindon is open for business.
And it landed. One investor told us: “I was genuinely blown away by the ambition, passion, and focus of the Swindon team. A real breath of fresh air. If you want to build something that matters—talk to these people.”
That’s what this Labour administration is about: cutting through the noise and getting things done.
But we’re also honest about the challenges. Swindon was recently rated C3 by the Housing Regulator. That’s not good enough—but it reflects decades of underinvestment, not recent decisions.
The difference now? We’re actually doing something about it. We’ve committed £250 million to bring our council homes up to standard. That’s not a promise—it’s already happening.
Some will try to spin this as a Labour failure. But let’s be clear: we inherited this mess. The previous Conservative administration ignored two separate reports warning about the state of housing. Just like they left Children’s Services rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted. We’re not here to point fingers—we’re here to clean up and move forward.
And we are.
You know last year we reopened Swindon’s Museum & Art Gallery, now in the Council buildings on Euclid Street. And now, finally, we have been able to bring back the iconic Swindon gharial - the beloved ‘Croc’ - is back on display.
It’s more than a museum piece. It’s a treasured artefact that has been loved by generations of Swindonians, as well as a symbol of what happens when you stop making excuses and start delivering. It is great to have it back in place ahead of a school holiday, and I can’t wait for families to visit the museum and see it back in its rightful place.
This isn’t about party politics. It’s about common sense, pride in our town, and getting value for your money. That’s what your Labour administration stands for.
And that’s what we’ll keep doing.
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