27/09/05 - Who Will Be The Next Leader - Swindon

Evening Advertiser 27/09/05

The Conservative leader has given plenty of warning that he intends to stand down. The idea is that the party has a chance to think carefully about who it wants as its next leader and is not left with no-one at the helm at an important time.

But I am not thinking of Michael Howard's drawn-out resignation and the twists and turns of the national Conservative Party's leadership contest.

This battle will not keep the national newspapers busy for months on end but might be slightly more interesting for Swindonians.

That is because once again the town is providing a mirror to the national political scene.

Not content with its general election results shadowing the national picture, Swindon's Conservatives are now also following in the footsteps of their senior counterparts with Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden saying he will stand down next year.

But whereas the national Conservative Party is quite used to these leadership contests in Swindon they have not had so much experience of them in recent years.

That does not mean, however, that a natural successor has been groomed over the last few years waiting for the day Coun Bawden decided it was time to go.

In fact, like the national party, there is no one clear contender for the job and even a slight worry that there is no-one perfect for the position.

As deputy leader of the council Roderick Bluh is probably the David Davis of the local race ­ the favourite ­ but will have only been a councillor for two years next May.

And if he wants the job Coun Justin Tomlinson, at 28, would be Swindon's David Cameron ­ the young face of the party.

Beyond that there are no automatic but plenty of possible contenders.

Any of the cabinet members, with the possible exception of newcomer Coun Andrew Bennett, would not cause surprise if they decide to throw their hat into the ring.

And Coun Bawden has given them even more time than Mr Howard provided MPs to think about it.

WHO'S IN LINE?

Coun Fionuala Foley

Elected May 2000

Councillor for Old Town and Lawn and cabinet member for corporate affairs, policy and performance.

Coun Foley has previously been cabinet member for Swindon Services and then for cultural change.

Following the de-selection of Coun Jemima Milton by her ward, meaning she cannot fight to retain her seat, Coun Foley is the only likely female candidate for the job.

Coun Nick Martin

Elected 1983

Councillor for Shaw and Nine Elms Cabinet member for resources.

With responsibility for finance Coun Martin, who is an accountant, fronted up last year's budget cuts saying the council needed to run more efficiently.

He stood as the Conservative candidate in North Swindon in the 2001 general election but failed to beat Labour's Michael Wills.

Coun Ian Dobie

Elected 2000

Councillor for Haydon Wick and cabinet member for social care.

Has presided over social services through tough times and was disappointed when the department's rating failing to move up from zero-star last year. Was formerly deputy leader of the council so has the experience but was voted out of the position by his fellow councillors while he was on holiday earlier this year.

Coun Roderick Bluh

Elected 2004

Councillor for Dorcan, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, sustainable development and transport planning.

Coun Bluh has risen quickly through the ranks, becoming deputy leader just a year after first being elected as a councillor.

His main red-face moment so far was when he was banned from driving for three months after notching up 12 points on his licence for speeding.

Coun Justin Tomlinson

Elected May 2000

Councillor for Abbey Meads and cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation.

The most high profile of the potential contenders for the job after he stood as candidate in the general election in North Swindon.

Council leader to MP is often a natural progression but with high hopes for the next general election Coun Tomlinson may not want to risk his reputation by taking full responsibility for the council.