Local Democracy Reporter - all things Swindon Borough Council. A news reporter since 2007, including local and national papers and websites, particularly specialising in politics and local and national government. A local Democracy Reporter in Worcester and then two stints in Swindon, I'm a bit of a local government nerd. Buy me a drink and I'll tell you about the huge ramifications of the 1972 Local Government Act. Buy me two drinks and I won't. When not thinking about planning and revenue budgets, I like looking at birds (and if I can get a story about them in, I will) riding my bike, walking, speaking Spanish, learning Cymrage and being a member of Y Wal Goch