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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.
Mayor Tom Wootton holds up a cut out of the UK, showing Bedford as the the location of the proposed new Universal Studios Theme Park. Image: Bedford Independent

Monthly column: Looking back at 2025 and forward to 2026

Despite significant financial pressures, we made real progress on a major regeneration project. The Bedford River Valley Park was approved late in 2025 through a Collaboration Agreement...
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Blake Stephenson. Image: LDRS

Monthly column: Bedfordshire’s young people deserve better from this Labour government

Walk down any High Street these days and you’ll hear the same worry from shopkeepers, parents, and employers alike: too many of our young people are not getting the...
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The new police hub at Bedford Bus Station being opened by the Mayor of Bedford and Bedfordshire PCC with other councillors and police officers present. Image: Bedfordshire Police/OPCC

Monthly column: Democratic accountability for policing matters

On 13 November, the Home Secretary announced that the role of elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will cease to exist from May 2028, and that there will be new governance...
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Cllr Henry Vann at Kempston Mill bridge. Inset: Queens Bridge in Kempston. Image: Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Monthly column: Stopping council waste, supporting the most vulnerable

I was delighted that the Liberal Democrats, alongside other opposition councillors, successfully stopped the Council from spending millions on a Conservative proposal to make...
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Bedfordshire Police officers speaking with people congregating on St Peter's Green in Bedford Image Bedford Independent

Monthly column: Getting tougher on crime

The people of Bedford Borough are deeply concerned about what’s happening in our Town Centres and villages. Shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and violent crime...
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Shop retail sales

Monthly column: Our small, independent businesses need our support more than ever before 

The Budget is on the horizon, and our small and independent businesses need our support more than ever before. That’s why, ahead of Small Business Saturday on 29 November, I’m keen to shine...
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Poppy wreath Photo credit Janice Elliot

Monthly column: Action, not just words. Delivering for Bedford and Kempston’s veterans

Each year, as Remembrance approaches, the people of Bedford and Kempston pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our country. From past conflicts to modern missions...
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(l-r) Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst and Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard

Monthly column: There is no place for political control of operational policing

One of the hallmarks that separates truly democratic states from authoritarian regimes is the independence of their institutions. Among the most critical of these is policing...
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Stack of pound coins on financial graphs and figures balance sheet Image Brian A Jackson Shutterstock

Monthly column: Labour leader calls for unity and tough choices as Bedford faces financial storm

Leadership means doing what’s right, not what’s popular, to protect vital services and the borough’s future. The past few months have been among the most challenging I have witnessed during my...
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Mayor Tom Wootton was elected in 2023. Image: Bedford Borough Council.

Monthly column: Leading Bedford Borough Council through financial challenge – a call to action

Across the country, councils are facing unprecedented financial pressures and Bedford Borough is no exception. The cost of delivering essential services like adult social care, children’s...
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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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