Council leader David Renard rejected Labour calls for his resignation for sending a resident an email with controversial words about the committee of the Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Contacted by a Dr James Davies, who had asked about the future of Apsley House and the town’s museum and art collections, Coun Renard sent the full text of a press release quoting the then cabinet member for culture and heritage Dale Heenan. The latter was very critical of the Friends’ group for what he said was their breach of confidence in publicising a council document which recommended closing Apsley House for good.

Labour group leader Jim Grant said if that led to Coun Heenan’s resignation, using the same words should lead to Coun Renard’s.

He said: “As the full press release was in the public domain I thought Dr Davies should have the full text of what we said. I would not have personally signed up to all of it, it wasn’t the most considered release the council’s ever put out – but it mostly addressed the issue of the future of the museum and gallery.

“I don’t consider that there’s anything that justifies my resignation and shall not be standing down.”