Now that Simon Birch looks set to take on the mantle of chief executive of Swindon Council on a permanent basis, we wish him all the best.

His appointment follows several months already in the post, so he can hit the ground running.

He took charge during a period of great upheaval and, although he has been instrumental in stabilising things since Paul Doherty's departure, future challenges include steering the council through its recovery plan and deciding how most of the council tax should be spent.

The coming months will be nothing if not challenging.