SCHOOLS chief Garry Perkins paid the ultimate price last night for Swindon's failing education authority.
He was the main casualty in a disappointing night for the town's Conservatives. Mr Perkins was lead member for education in the Tory's minority administration.
He took over the role after the Labour group resigned in October when Government inspectors found serious weaknesses in the way Swindon's schools were run.
But his association with the crisis-hit department and his high profile role in the controversial budget debate contributed to his downfall, and he lost his Dorcan seat to Labour's David Wren.
The Tories had hoped to win at least three seats from Labour, but the council balance remained the same after it only managed to win one seat in Haydon Wick.
Now the three parties must decide among themselves if the Conservatives will be allowed to continue leading the council.
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