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Paul Hutchinson

Paul Hutchinson is the Bedford Independent's editor. An accredited ethical journalist he also sits on the Code Committee for press regulator IMPRESS.

An experienced journalist, editor and local media leader with more than 25 years’ experience in newsrooms, publishing and digital media, Paul first came to Bedford as a journalist and deputy editor at Chiltern FM, reading the news each morning on the Andy Gelder Breakfast Show.

He later worked in PR and communications across Bedfordshire local government, the legal sector, and Charles Wells, before co-founding Progress Publishing, the company behind the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger.

As editor of the Bedford Independent, Paul leads the title’s editorial direction with a strong focus on accuracy, transparency, accountability and community impact. His approach is ethics-first and rooted in the belief that local news should inform, scrutinise and serve the people it represents.

Alongside his journalism, Paul is involved in Bedford’s civic and charitable life. He sits on the executive committee of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and is a founding member and current vice president of the Rotary Club of River Great Ouse.

Paul’s work is driven by a simple principle: journalism should be useful, accurate and accountable, helping to build a better-informed and more connected community.

Read more from Paul

Bedford shoplifters jailed as police hunt for wanted high street offenders

Police are hunting for wanted shoplifters following a major crackdown on retail crime in Bedford that has seen repeat offenders jailed and thousands of pounds in cash and illegal...

‘Combative’ Bedford Borough Council slammed for ignoring reports of bullying and misogyny

Unelected government commissioners are set to take over Bedford Borough Council to tackle a toxic workplace culture, with a damning report revealing unchecked bullying and low staff morale...

Damning inspection reveals bullying and leadership collapse at Bedford Borough Council

The government is sending in commissioners to oversee Bedford Borough Council for up to three years after an inspection revealed severe leadership failures, misogyny and financial...

Bedford secures £1.5m SEND grant, but system remains under pressure

Bedford Borough Council will see 90% of its SEND debt cleared by a £1.5m government grant, though officials warn the relief simply covers past borrowing rather than funding new services...

Bedford Borough Council launches development forum to support economic growth and investment

Bedford Borough Council is spearheading a new development forum designed to attract investment and connect local businesses to major regional infrastructure...

Environment Agency and UNISON honour Bedford Everyday Hero Charan Sekhon MBE

Colleagues and community members have paid tribute to Bedford everyday hero Charan Sekhon MBE, who has retired after 26 years of environmental protection and local charity work...

Panacea Charitable Trust awards BRASS £10,000 to help deliver local refugee support

Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support (BRASS) will use a £10,000 grant from the Panacea Charitable Trust to create two new roles helping clients learn...

Bedford Lottery Club hits £75,000 milestone for community club funds

A dedicated supporters lottery has raised nearly £75,000 for Bedford Town FC, delivering over £1,000 every month in vital funds to the Eagles while rewarding local fans...

Seven outstanding young people appointed as Bedfordshire’s new Lord-Lieutenant cadets

Seven outstanding young people from Bedfordshire cadet organisations have been formally commissioned to support the lord-lieutenant at civic ceremonies and events during 2026/27...

Bedfordians urged to help decide the future of neighbourhood parks and community facilities

Bedford Borough Council is asking local people to help decide which neighbourhood facilities, parks and open spaces should be prioritised over the next 25 years as part of...

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