A senior Bedford borough councillor has publicly apologised to residents and council officers following a Full Council meeting that “ran until midnight”, saying the way the meeting was conducted “was not what our community deserves”.
In a Facebook post, councillor Jim Weir (Conservative, Great Denham) said the meeting (November 26) became “a stage for point-scoring and ‘gotcha’ moments”, adding that this showed “a troubling disregard for the people who elected us”.
Councillor Weir, who is the borough’s deputy mayor, said some councillors had accused the administration of lacking transparency, failing to work across parties and mismanaging finances.
Read: Bedford Ian writes… (28 November)
“They claim to speak on behalf of residents, but in practice, their approach undermines the very transparency and respect they call for, ” he wrote.
“Many of the detailed technical questions raised during the meeting could, and should, have been submitted in advance.
Doing so would allow officers and members to provide clear, thorough answers in public rather than resorting to ‘I will have to give a written answer.”
He added that when in opposition, he always gave advance notice of his questions.
“In return, the Executive provided full, public responses. That is how accountability should work.”
“Residents don’t deserve political theatre”
The councillor also said he had previously proposed a policy forum where representatives from all parties could discuss upcoming decisions, but claimed the idea “received no support”.
“I remain committed to improving how our council operates,” he wrote.
“Residents deserve transparency, respect, and answers they can hear directly – not political theatre.
“To those who watched the meeting and felt let down: I’m sorry.
“We can, and must, do better.”
Bedford Borough Council was approached for a comment, but did not respond at the time of publication.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
