Labour says the budget is the best for Swindon

Doug Stewart abstained on a point of principle regarding information on parish council taxes, says his party.

Otherwise the vote would have been split equally.

In that case, say the Liberal Democrats, the Labour proposal would most likely have returned to the negotiating table - and the increase reduced.

They have let down the people who voted for them Mike Evemy Liberal Democrats

The decision was made at a meeting of the Labour-led borough council on Thursday.

Mike Bawden, leader of the Conservatives, said there was no whipping system in place for councillors.

"Doug wanted a high-profile opportunity to make his point."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Mike Evemy, added: "If all the Conservatives had voted, we would probably have had a compromise.

"They have let down the people who voted for them."

But Kevin Small, leader of the council, said the budget was the best for the people of Swindon.

"Fifteen per cent is needed to deliver quality services."

The Conservatives had previously proposed a 12.5% rise, and the Liberal Democrats 13.75%.