GILES SHELDRICK looks at the people who are likely to be on the new-look cabinet, the major decision-making body on Swindon council, and how the three major parties are going to work together

Tomorrow Tory leader, Coun Mike Bawden (Old Town and Lawns), will present the new-look Conserv-ative dominated Swin-don Council cabinet the body which makes the authority's key decisions to the full council for approval.

And as the Labour Group is not proposing an alternative administration, now that the Tories hold the most seats on the council, the new cabinet is likely to go through largely unopposed.

Outgoing Labour leader, Coun Kevin Small (Western), finds himself on the cabinet with responsibility for risk management and performance review the same role Coun Bawden had under the Labour-run administration.

However, there is one omission from the cabinet that of Liberal Democrat leader, Coun Mike Evemy (Eastcott).

Coun Evemy was offered the community and equalities portfolio, which he rejected, and that has now been given to veteran councillor Doreen Dart (Con, Blunsdon).

It is a sign that not everything is likely to run smoothly for the new administration.

Coun Evemy said: "The cabinet should reflect that Swindon Council is a hung council and no-one is in overall control. The job I was offered, and rejected, was inappropriate because I'm not a member of the Tory group and they knew I couldn't accept it.

"For some reason they didn't want me on the cabinet.

"I was prepared to accept a position without portfolio, a non-political one, but it's not up to Mike Bawden to make appointments, it's up to the full council."

Unsurprisingly the Liberal Democrats will not be supporting the Conservative administration at tomorrow's meeting, which will also see new mayor, Coun Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) sworn in.

Coun Bawden said: "Mike (Evemy) was offered a place on the cabinet and if he wanted one he would have had to accept a job with portfolio because we're only allowed 10 positions.

"I'm disappointed he has not seen his way clear to play a role in the recovery plan, but I respect his judgement.

"This cabinet reflects a range of ages and experiences and I believe we have a fresh, balanced team to lead the council forward.

"If the Labour group abstain from voting on the new cabinet it's no problem and the Liberal Democrats can't frustrate the democratic process."

Included among the portfolios is a new area of responsibility corporate recovery, service delivery and best value which Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) will head up.

Coun Bawden views this as the most important area of the cabinet as the council continues to work with government inspectors after a series of damning reports most notably in education and social services in recent times.

After the borough elections on May 1 the Conservatives are now the largest group on the council with 29 seats one short of an overall majority.

The Labour group have 22 seats and the Liberal Democ-rats have eight.

Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) returns to the cabinet with responsibility for education and lifelong learning just a fortnight after winning back his seat.