Looking back, 1 May 2026: Swindon24 announced a live debate between candidates from five parties at Create Studios, to be shown online two days before the Swindon Borough Council elections.
By Alex Rivers, Editor ·
Looking backThis story covers news from . Swindo wrote it later from the published source, and published it on 12 November 2026. More from that day
Last updated: 12 November 2026
On Friday 1 May 2026, local news site Swindon24 announced that it would stage a live election debate at Create Studios in Swindon on Tuesday 5 May 2026, two days before the borough went to the polls.
The debate was due to start at 5.30pm and be broadcast on the site's Facebook Live, in front of a small audience of first-time voters. Kris Talikowski was named as the moderator.
Five candidates were listed, one from each of five parties:
The organisers said the format would be fast-paced and built around residents' concerns. The topics set out in advance were:
Each candidate was to be asked for specific actions, including what they would change, where hard decisions might be needed and what their first priorities would be if elected.
The debate came ahead of the Swindon Borough Council elections on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Source: Swindon24.
Source: Swindon Borough Council planning register
Source: Swindon Borough Council planning register
Source: Swindon Borough Council planning register
Source: Swindon Borough Council planning register
Source: Swindon Borough Council
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You can ask Swindon Borough Council what personal data it holds about you by making a subject access request. There is no fee. You need proof of ID and proof of address, and the council normally responds within one calendar month.
Guide · Council and servicesSwindon Borough Council handles general complaints in two internal stages. Stage one aims for a reply within 10 working days, and stage two within 20 working days. After that, you can ask the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to review your complaint for free.
News · Council and servicesA new Ofsted monitoring visit says Swindon Borough Council is making progress on support for care-experienced young people, but names four areas still needing improvement. The council announced it on 11 November 2026.
News · Council and servicesSwindon Borough Council will not submit its City of Sanctuary application, completed in April, and will ask to be removed from the membership list. A new Council Refugee Plan is due in February 2027.
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