Sign up for daily news
9 September 2026
Facebook-f Threads Instagram Linkedin Youtube
Search
Picture of Political Column

Political Column

This byline is for regular columns submitted by various political leaders within Bedford Borough.
Cllr Abu Sultan leader of Bedford Borough Labour Group

Monthly column: Why residents should have a say on how our council is governed

Bedford Borough Labour Group believes people living in Bedford Borough should have the opportunity to decide how their Council is governed in future. The last referendum on this was...
Read more
Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: August in Bedford – taking stock while continuing to deliver

August is traditionally a quieter month in the Borough Council calendar. While many people enjoy a well-earned summer break, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on what we've achieved...
Read more
A black and whilte photograph of an older lady

Monthly column: The Big Conversation – how we can finally fix adult social care

For decades, adult social care has been the issue that successive Prime Ministers have known they need to tackle — and then found a reason not to. There have been reviews, commissions...
Read more
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard in his office. Image: Bedfordshire OPCC

Monthly column: Police reform must improve performance

The government will publish its long-awaited Police Reform Bill next month when Parliament returns from the summer recess. This Bill represents the most radical reform of English and Welsh...
Read more
Bedford Hospital main entrance Image: Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

Monthly column: Hands off our hospital – again

There are some places in Bedford that I can’t imagine not existing. Bedford Hospital is one of them. My children were born there. In recent years I have visited family and friends...
Read more
Mayes Yard, Bedford Town Centre artist’s impression. Image: Cityheart.

Monthly column: Putting the heart back into Bedford town centre

When I stood to become mayor, I made a simple promise. That Bedford town centre would once again become somewhere people choose to visit. Somewhere to shop. Somewhere to...
Read more
Blake Stephenson. Image: LDRS

Reflecting on two years as your Mid-Bedfordshire MP 

Mid Bedfordshire had been let down by politicians for too many years, and that’s why in 2024 I decided to put my name forward to represent the place I live in Parliament. And in July 2024...
Read more
Sun blazing in the sky over Bedford homes with lei flower garland decoration in the foreground

Monthly column: The heat is already costing lives – we must prepare better for the hotter world we have created.

The East of England Ambulance Service Trust recently declared a critical incident as extreme heat placed unprecedented pressure on emergency services. It is yet another sign that the climate...
Read more
Domestic Abuse

Monthly column: Say “no” to Male Violence Against Women and Girls

Male violence against women and girls (MVAWG) blights our society and creates grief, harm and even death for far too many. MVWAG includes a wide variety of crimes, from domestic abuse...
Read more
Cllr Abu Sultan leader of Bedford Borough Labour Group

Monthly column: Labour to bring forward motion to strengthen local democracy and deliver better governance for Bedford Borough

Bedford Borough Labour Group will bring a motion to Full Council calling for a review of the Borough’s governance arrangements and for the process of changing the directly elected Executive Mayor...
Read more
Bedford Borough Council workers filling potholes on De Parys Avenue March 2026 Image Bedford Independent

How Bedford Borough Council repairs local roads and fixes potholes

Bedfordshire Police patrol car at dusk with lights on Image Bedfordshire Police

Bedfordshire Police warn drivers of traffic delays during abnormal load escorts

What’s on Bedford: 9 – 20 September 2026

Bedford School rugby players sprint out on to the Goldington Road pitch in their red home kit.

Bedford School against Rugby School attracts 2,000 fans to Goldington Road

Bedford Town loanee striker, Reece Evans aims a shot at goal, while a yellow-shirted Worksop defender throws a leg out to try and block it.

Four in row for high flying Eagles as Bedford Town score last minute winner at Worksop

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.

I've already subscribed (dont show again)