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9 November 2026
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Political Column

This byline is for regular columns submitted by various political leaders within Bedford Borough.
Bedfordshire Police rural crime van in Shortstown.

Monthly column: Equitable policing means tackling rural as much as urban crime

Whether you live in a town, village or isolated rural community, you are entitled to the services of an effective police force. This is a simple principle. It is one that I strongly believe in...
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Cllr Abu Sultan leader of Bedford Borough Labour Group

Monthly column: Bedford Borough’s future demands better leadership, not more political division

Bedford Borough Council is at a crossroads. Two major developments in recent weeks have brought some difficult questions into focus: the damning Best Value Inspection report...
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Doctor's desk and stethoscope. Image: Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock

Monthly column: Positive progress on GPs and what’s the deal with devolution

Ask residents what matters most in their community, and seeing a GP close to home is often high on the list. Which makes perfect sense; local surgeries, after all, provide essential care...
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Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party addressing the audience at The Conservative Party on 4 October 2026. Image: repic/Shutterstock.

Monthly column: Conference season showed the Conservatives are the only party with a serious plan

Another party conference season is over, and the message was clear: if you want a country where hard work is rewarded, businesses can thrive, our borders are controlled, and people...
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Practical Driving Test Certificate and provisional driving licence. Image: mundissima/Shutterstock.

Monthly column: Driving test delays – slowly but surely progress being made to tackle backlog

Anyone trying to book a driving test in Bedford and Kempston will know how frustrating the process has become. The pandemic created a significant backlog when tests were suspended...
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Domestic Abuse

Monthly column: VAWG victims must be listened to, supported and respected 

Reported violence against women and girls (VAWG) is increasing across the country. Nationally, last year, one in every eight women was a victim of domestic abuse, stalking...
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Cllr Henry Vann pictured pointing to a public notice sign on a public toilet in Bedford Park. Image Bedford Liberal Democrat Group

Monthly column: Mayor has left Bedford with nowhere to go

Sometimes the biggest issues in local government are the simplest. If you take your children to the park, walk the dog, go for a run, or spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors, you should...
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SEND child in a wheelchair being shown and enjoying playing with colourful building tiles and toys. Image: AnnGaysorn/Shutterstock

Monthly column: Managing pressures and planning for Bedford’s future

In recent months, Bedford Borough Council has operated in an environment that is challenging for councils across the country. Demand for essential services such as...
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Air travelers queue at border control at Heathrow Airport Image 1000 Words Shutterstock

Monthly column: Fighting for Mid Beds as Shadow Home Office Minister

Britain's immigration system must work for British people and people right here in Mid Bedfordshire – that's what I’ve heard from you since I was elected. That's why I'm delighted...
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Bedfordshire Police Officers on targeted patrols. Image: Bedfordshire Police

Monthly column: Closing the gap between fact and perception

Most crime in England and Wales is falling – but the public thinks it's rising. In fact, they are wrong about crime on nearly every measure: from how many people fall victim to the...
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An entrance to Putnoe Woods in Mowsbury Park showing its Green Flag award Image Bedford Independent

Ancient woodland in Bedford Borough under pressure from national housing targets

Rory Ward of Bedford Blues runs into a tackle against a Blackheath defender

Bedford Blues rising up the table after fourth straight max points win at Blackheath

Drew Richardson celebrates with his Real Bedford teammates after scoring

Second half blitz helps Real Bedford to win over Rushall Olympic

Close up of police car with lights on

Queens Drive collision leaves elderly driver fighting for life in Bedford

Members of the Armed Forces march at the Armistice Day remembrance march across the Embankment in November 2025

Lest we forget: 2026 Armistice Day and Remembrance Day events in Bedford Borough

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