Sign up for daily news
9 November 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.
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard in his office. Image: Bedfordshire OPCC

Monthly column: Misogynistic crime is wrong

In this month’s column, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, writes about how he is driving system change and long-term prevention to stop violence against women...
Read more
Cllr Henry Vann in Bedford Park. Image: North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats

Monthly column: Rural areas losing out on funding, and bus cuts affecting us all

Did you know that in April, it was discovered that Bedford Borough Council's Conservative administration, according to its members, had to hand over £460,000 of last year’s rural grant funding...
Read more
Mayor Tom Wootton was elected in 2023. Image: Bedford Borough Council.

Monthly column: Tackling crime and championing Bedford Borough

As Mayor, I don’t shy away from the hard truths, and this is one of them. Day after day, I hear the same concerns echoed by residents and business owners: shoplifting is rife, antisocial behaviour...
Read more
An artist impression of how the new Universal Theme Park might look. It has a huge lake in the centre with various themed areas around it. it also show the entrance and 'city walk'

Monthly column: Your voices must be heard on Universal, so have your say now

In my last column I spoke about my excitement about the Universal Studios announcement but stressed the importance of delivering the right infrastructure alongside the...
Read more
Bedford & Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour) speaking at PMQs 24 July 2024. Image: Screenshot via Parliament.TV.

Monthly column: UK’s landmark trade agreements with India and US are a double win

Since the chaotic and disruptive Brexit process, which saw the UK leave the world’s largest trading bloc, Britain’s economy has struggled, and its trade ambitions have often been...
Read more
Police on the beat on Bedford High Street. Image: Bedfordshire Police/Facebook

Monthly column: A time for reflection as I reach one year as Police and Crime Commissioner

This week marks my first anniversary as Police and Crime Commissioner, and the publication of my strategy for 2025-28, which will put social justice at the heart of policing. Reflecting on my...
Read more
Bedford Labour Group leader Cllr Abu Sultan. Image Bedford Labour Group

Monthly column: New Labour Group leader pledges to put residents and the borough first

I am honoured to have been elected as Group Leader of Bedford Labour Group following its recent Annual General Meeting. I will strive to repay the faith my colleagues have shown in me and lead the Labour Group on Bedford...
Read more
Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

As your Mayor, I believe in keeping things honest, transparent, and grounded in reality. This update is about keeping you in the loop, celebrating progress and being upfront about the financial mismanagement we have uncovered...
Read more
Universal Theme Park happy family with globe. Image: Universal Destinations and Experiences

Monthly column: Universal Studios – focus shifts To planning and infrastructure to deliver for local residents 

Universal Studios will deliver a fantastic boost for Bedfordshire, but after the celebrations last week the focus now turns immediately to ensuring that appropriate infrastructure...
Read more
Molten metal pours from a furnace at a steel works. Image: yasin hemmati/unsplash

Monthly column: Labour’s steel intervention proves only we can be trusted to protect British industry

Parliament doesn’t get recalled lightly. When it does, it’s because something of profound national importance is at stake. That’s exactly the case with British Steel and the introduction of the...
Read more
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

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)