This is a quote from Conservative leader Mike Bawden before the May local elections.

He said: "We are opposed to the development of the Front Garden. Labour has made a complete U-turn concerning this issue since we were controlled by the county council. They have betrayed the people of Swindon."

Coun Bawden clearly kept his word personally and voted against the Structure Plan, which included the Front Garden.

But who feels betrayed today, following last night's marathon meeting?

We all knew how Labour and the Liberal Democrats were going to vote. Like it or hate it, the parties had a clear stance at the local elections and the councillors stood by their pledge.

Coun Bawden was clearly setting out a party policy in the comments above. Yet before last night's vote his party played political games by refusing to make its opinion known.

As it happened there was a split, and it was born from a desire for political survival. Those Conserva-tives who represent wards on the doorstep of the Front Garden generally voted against develop-ment. Those who represent other wards which are also ripe for housing voted for.