With new electoral wards and nearly a quarter of current councillors standing down in Swansea, the local elections on May 5 have a different dynamic than normal. It would take a huge swing to knock Labour off its perch but elections aren't always predictable and the swirling interplay of local and national issues may throw up the odd surprise.
Labour's base is traditionally firmest in the east and centre of the city and county, but there looks to be some intense competition in the newly-redrawn Clydach ward in the east. The new ward has absorbed much of the former Mawr ward to the north and will have three councillors, one more than currently.
Clydach's six prospective councillors include a serving Independent and Conservative who represented Clydach and Mawr respectively, while Labour's councillor for the area is standing down. Labour has three candidates, and there is also a second Independent. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
