A new website launched by Bedford businessman Peter McCormack has sparked speculation about his political ambitions, after it laid out a vision for the town that reads more like a manifesto than a community blog.
Titled Project Bedford, the site outlines a bold plan for regeneration, education, and civic pride – including calls to cut red tape, invest in apprenticeships, and hold local leaders to higher standards.
McCormack, who owns local football team Real Bedford and businesses in Bedford Town Centre, says he just wants to ‘improve the town.’ However, when the Bedford Independent pressed him on whether he intends to run for Mayor in 2027, he left the door ajar.
“It is a very good question,” he told us. “I could, I could win… but it is a full-time job. So probably not, I’ll probably support whoever [I feel] the best candidate is.”
Despite this, his new platform covers a wide range of policy areas, from economic development and culture to planning reform. It includes the rallying cry, ‘A town transformed by people who give a f**.’
‘A plan, not just a podcast’
With his high-profile investment in Real Bedford FC, the purchase of popular Bedford night spot The Auction Room and the opening of a high street coffee shop, podcaster McCormack seems to be establishing himself as one of the borough’s most recognisable names.
Under his leadership, Real Bedford has enjoyed success on and off the pitch and gained international attention following high-profile guest appearances by Bitcoin influencers and celebrities.
Read: Winklevoss twins speak out on Real Bedford investment and Bedford Borough’s potential
His Project Bedford plan draws heavily on that momentum, calling for more grassroots funding, cultural programming, and town centre revival. ‘We have ideas, we have people, and we have pride,’ the site reads.
Backing or ballot?
In the last Bedford mayoral election, the Liberal Democrats were edged out by just 145 votes, with Labour in third and Peter McCormack notably vocal on local issues throughout.
While he has no party affiliation, his influence appears to be growing. Social media comments following the Bedford Independent’s reporting of his calls for better crime prevention in Bedford Town Centre showed almost universal support.
Read: Bedford business owner tells Bedfordshire Police ‘tackle crime or we’ll do it ourselves’
Whether he’ll throw his hat into the ring in 2027 remains uncertain. Still this move, the day after the Lib Dems announced their candidate for the 2027 Bedford Borough Mayoral race suggests he plans to play a significant role in shaping the debate.
Read: Liberal Democrats confirm Henry Vann as their 2027 Bedford Mayor hopeful
But despite his ‘manifesto’ reading, ‘Project Bedford isn’t a side hustle… It’s a rallying cry,’ he tells us, “I think it is important that I am politically neutral.”
