BUSINESS leaders have given their backing to council leader Rod Bluh, who is under threat from within his own party.

As reported in the Adver earlier this week Coun Bluh and his deputy Fionuala Foley could face a challenge to their leadership from cabinet member Councillor Nick Martin.

But according to two leading lights of Swindon business, now is not the time to rock the boat.

Rikki Hunt is chairman of Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership – a collective of businesses working with Swindon Council to push forward economic growth.

He praised the work done by Coun Bluh, in partnership with chief executive, Gavin Jones, and said rumours of dissent among the ranks could be disastrous for Swindon.

He said: “The leadership at the moment is not broke, so why try to fix it?

“A change of leadership at this time would be damaging – even talk of one is damaging.

“A lot of good things are being done in Swindon and Rod and Gavin Jones have been key to a lot of that.

“Swindon is on the verge of something really good, as well as being on the verge of recession, just like everywhere else. The last thing we need at a time like this is instability.

“This is one football club that needs to keep its manager next season.

“This needs to be sorted out soon, so we can get on with the job at hand.”

James Gregory, of estate agent Alder King, agreed that now was not the time for a change of leadership.

He said: “They are well known and respected as a team and have done a good job at a difficult time.

“I think now would be the wrong time to for a leadership challenge because it would be very divisive.

“Regardless of the qualities of anyone else who would like to lead the council I just think now would not be a good time.

“It is important that the council is on an even keel at a time like this.”

Any challenge to the leadership would have to come by Tuesday when the group meets for its annual general meeting.

In Monday’s Adver Coun Martin revealed his concerns that Coun Bluh, who is currently suffering from labyrinthitis, was being undermined by his health.

Coun Bluh hit back at the comments and said he was happy to accept any challenge based on his record as leader.

Coun Martin has denied he is challenging for either Coun Bluh or Coun Foley’s role.