Tributes pour in for former stalwart Conservative councillor

Brian Ford had served the people of Wroughton for 38 years, spanning the period when Swindon Borough Council replaced Thamesdown Borough Council in 1996.

He stood down from representing the Wroughton and Wichelstowe ward last month having previously served as the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.

It was in this role that Brian oversaw Swindon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while as Cabinet Member, he also supported hugely successful initiatives such as Beat the Street and the Big Swindon Knit.

As chair and a member of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board for many years, Brian also represented the Borough as Mayor, sat on the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority and served as a Governor of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He was well-known as a champion for volunteering and would often attend events to thank those who gave up their spare time to help others.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Brian was a hard-working councillor who was passionate about Wroughton and serving his local community as best he could.

“I enjoyed our exchanges in council meetings and, while we had our political differences, he commanded great respect from everyone in the Chamber. He would also always be happy to work collaboratively with the Labour Group. He was a lovely man.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Brian was rather like the ‘father of the group’. Good advice always available, based on his years of experience.

“Behind the scenes he was a great friend who loved his golf and a glass of good red wine. He was fantastic company, loved his village of Wroughton and will be greatly missed by all of us in the Conservative Group.”