Peter Mandelson made a lot of friends during his short visit to Swindon yesterday.

He has had plenty of adverse publicity as the ruthless spin doctor who will stop at nothing to fulfil his political ambitions.

But in Swindon he came across as a genuine and likeable person.

We welcome the positive things he had to say about Steam and our bid for city status.

He said he came here to "thank people for voting for change".

That's election speak for you! And as a key marginal, expect several more Government ministers to work up the charm in Swindon in coming months.