The ceremony, held at the council chamber in Swindon, marked the end of Fay Howard’s year in office. Councillors from across the political spectrum described her tenure as one of the most active and community-focused in recent years.
Hopkins, who represents Covingham and Dorcan, was nominated by Labour leader Jim Robbins and supported by Conservative group leader Gary Sumner.
Robbins praised Hopkins’ “dedication, work ethic, and passion” and said he could think of “no one better to take on the honour and responsibility of being the Mayor of Swindon.”
Sumner described Hopkins as “unpolitical” in his approach, adding: “He doesn’t put politics first, he puts the interests of the residents and the people of Swindon first.”
In his acceptance speech, Hopkins spoke about the town he said he had “chosen to live in”.
He told councillors: “The longer I’ve lived here, the more I’ve understood and appreciated its history, its culture, its features, most of all its people, and to love our town.”
In a lighter moment, he added: “I love the Magic Roundabout. Whatever anybody says about it from outside our town, it works.”
Hopkins said his mayoral year would focus on supporting volunteers, charities and community groups across Swindon. He also set expectations for conduct inside the council chamber.
“I shall not tolerate abuse, racism, homophobic comments, or antisemitism,” he said.
“I’d like you to be kind to each other. It costs nothing.”
His chosen mayoral charities are Swindon Young Carers and Prospect Hospice.
Speaking about young carers, Hopkins said: “All carers are heroes, and young carers especially so.”
He also highlighted funding pressures facing hospices nationally, warning that Prospect Hospice “need all the help they can get”.
Councillor Gayle Cook’s appointment as Deputy Mayor was confirmed during the ceremony, with Hopkins saying he looked forward to working closely with her in the year ahead.
The event also served as a farewell to outgoing Mayor Fay Howard. Her closing speech reflected on a year spent attending hundreds of community events, civic ceremonies and fundraising activities across the borough.
Howard told councillors: “Swindon is beginning to stand up proud and is on its way to being recognised for the jewel that it is.”
During her term, she supported causes including refugees, young people and community inclusion. She also raised funds for Wiltshire Treehouse and Harbour Project.
Reflecting on the range of events attended, from Remembrance commemorations to cultural celebrations and children’s reading sessions inside the chamber, she said: “Our town is rich in heritage, its culture, and people.”
Howard urged councillors to work collaboratively despite political differences, warning that residents were increasingly concerned about issues such as graffiti and anti-social behaviour.
“The town needs you to work together,” she told the chamber.
Jim Robbins paid tribute to her year in office, calling her “an outstanding mayor” who had “shown what civic leadership looks like at its very best”.
He added: “You’ve not just represented our town, you’ve absolutely lived our values all the way through.”
Conservative councillor Kevin Small said Howard had brought “a uniqueness” and “a friendly smile” to the role, adding that every mayor leaves their own mark on Swindon’s civic history.
Howard closed her final speech by thanking Swindon for becoming the hometown she “never had”.
“I can think of nowhere better to call home,” she said.
