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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.

Monthly column: Free speech is important, the truth even more so

Ahead of the second reading of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill last week, a campaign of misinformation and smears emerged—seemingly orchestrated by a hostile foreign billionaire...
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PCC John Tizard. Image: OPCC

Monthly column: Striving for high standards in policing

The Bedfordshire Police Service was inspected by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in the autumn. This is also known as a PEEL inspection...
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Monthly column: “Being a councillor can be rewarding but over a fifth have received death threats”

This week at a meeting of the General Purposes Committee an item I am pleased to see on our agenda is the proposed adoption of a Councillor Health and Wellbeing Policy for Bedford Borough Council...
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Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: New Year message from Mayor Tom Wootton

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Police on the beat on Bedford High Street. Image: Bedfordshire Police/Facebook

Monthly column: Funding effective police services

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my duty to ensure that our county is a safe place for all. Today, good policing is not just about the number of officers on neighbourhood teams...
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Bedford & Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour) speaking at PMQs 24 July 2024. Image: Screenshot via Parliament.TV.

Monthly column: Now, more than ever, we must hold on to that sense of community spirit

As we approach the festive season, it is a time of reflection, hope, and togetherness. Christmas often brings with it a chance to pause, take stock, and express gratitude for...
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A Christmas wreath. Image: Pixabay

Monthly column: Standing up for residents all year round; and wishing you a happy Christmas

I had a lovely email from a resident last week expressing thanks that we had managed to get a bus shelter which had been broken for months repaired. After making enquiries, we found...
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The hand of a police officer holding a small bag of white powder. In the background is a person with their hands behind their back and in handcuffs.

Monthly column: Time to crack down on anti-social behaviour

There is not a neighbourhood or village in Bedfordshire which does not experience anti-social behaviour. Frankly, this is unacceptable. No community should have to...
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Cllr Carl Meader, Leader of Bedford Borough Labour Group. Image: Bedford Borough Labour Group

Monthly column: Everyone deserves basic rights and protections at work

There are approximately 88,000 people in employment in Bedford Borough. Of these, it’s estimated there are 2,744 people on zero-hours contracts. I have always been concerned about...
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Mayor Tom Wootton was elected in 2023. Image: Bedford Borough Council.

Monthly column: Pulling out all the stops for a healthier future

We are working ceaselessly with our partners to get new GP surgeries built so residents across the Borough finally have access to the healthcare they need - and this isn’t all talk, as the old...
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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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