THE pigeons have finally come home to roost for the Labour Party in Swindon.

The disgraceful rises in the council tax and the casting vote of the Mayor in this year's setting of council tax, was the final straw for many Labour die-hards.

The final count has seen them lose more than 460 seats over the whole country. The Prime Minister blames the Iraq war factor. Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't the Conservatives fully support the Iraq invasion? It hasn't harmed them at the polls.

We now have a Conservative controlled council for the first time since 1978. Councillor Mike Bawden is Swindon's longest serving councillor with no lack of experience.

Regardless of one's political leanings, the voters must give the man a chance now that he has a working majority. As they say in football, the ball's at your feet Mike.

BILL WILLIAMS

Covingham