Councillor Neil Hopkins was elected as the new Mayor of Swindon during the Annual Council Meeting held on May 22, 2026. Representing the Covingham and Dorcan ward, the Labour and Co-operative councillor will lead the borough for the 2026/27 municipal year alongside Deputy Mayor Gayle Cook.
In his first address as mayor, Councillor Hopkins announced that his official fundraising efforts for the coming year will focus on Prospect Hospice and Swindon Young Carers, run by the Friends of Young Carers Swindon. These selections highlight a commitment to supporting local groups that assist both those requiring end-of-life care and children who provide care for family members.
The choice of these charities comes as local services face significant financial challenges. Prospect Hospice, which has provided care in the region since 1980, is currently struggling with funding pressures that have forced the organisation to limit its inpatient capacity. As of February 2026, the hospice was operating only six of its 14 available beds, resulting in the difficult necessity of turning some patients away.
Meanwhile, the Friends of Young Carers Swindon, a charitable trust operating since 2002, continues its work to provide respite and support for children aged 5 to 17 who manage caring responsibilities at home. The mayor expressed his intention to dedicate his term to supporting volunteers and community groups, while also setting a firm tone for conduct within the council chamber. He stated that he would not tolerate abuse, racism, homophobic comments, or antisemitism, and encouraged his fellow councillors to treat one another with kindness.
Councillor Hopkins succeeds Fay Howard, who was recognised for a community-focused tenure that included support for refugees and young people. During her time as mayor, she raised funds for local groups including the Wiltshire Treehouse and the Harbour Project.
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