6 March 2026
Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
Mayor maybe
There’s been a lot of talk lately about whether or not we need an elected mayor in Bedford Borough.
It’s a question that comes up every few years. At least one mayoral candidate in 2023 said they’d abolish the role, but now, with all that’s going on, that question is being asked a lot more; there’s even a petition about it – so you know it’s serious.
The role was introduced in the early 2000s after a campaign led by the late Frank Branston, who believed too many decisions affecting Bedford residents were being made elsewhere.
Read: How the mayors of Bedford Borough have left their mark
A directly elected mayor, he argued, would give the Borough a stronger voice and clearer leadership. And in fairness, that’s exactly what the system does.
The mayor effectively acts as the Borough’s political chief executive. One person with a direct public mandate to lead the council’s executive and set direction.
Supporters say that clarity is the whole point. You know who’s in charge, and you know who to hold responsible when things go right… or wrong.
Critics see it differently. They argue that a great deal of power sits with one individual, while the other 46 councillors elected across the Borough can sometimes feel more like spectators than decision-makers.
But before we rush to redesign the entire system again, there’s another uncomfortable truth worth acknowledging.
Turnout at the last mayoral election was a pathetic 35 per cent, with the winning margin just 145 votes.
In a borough of nearly 180,000 people, that is, can I say it again? Pathetic.
Read: Bedford Borough Council and Mayoral Elections 2023 results in full
In other words, the direction of the entire council executive was decided by a margin equivalent to the population of a street in Putnoe.
The next mayoral election in 2027 will return to the supplementary vote system, allowing voters to choose a first and second preference rather than just one candidate. In theory, that should mean future mayors need broader support.
Read: Change coming to Bedford mayoral voting system after close 2023 election
But systems alone don’t solve everything.
Whether Bedford keeps an elected mayor or switches to a traditional council leader model, there will always be arguments about where power sits and who should hold it.
There may never be a perfect model waiting in the wings. However, there is people power and a ballot box.
If Bedfordians genuinely believe the person in charge isn’t using their power in the best interests of the people and isn’t doing the job well enough, the solution isn’t endless discussion and petitions; it’s turning up and voting.
The next mayoral elections are in May 2027, but you can register to vote right now. Please do so.
Try harder
Spotted this week: A spectacular display of a complete lack of sporting knowledge from the Mansfield-based sports reporter writing for another publication. Their article’s headline:
‘First away win keeps Bedford Blues
on course for play-offs’
This was the headline for their report, almost four days after the Blues’ away win at Caldy on 28 February. Who’s going to tell them?
PS: If you want to check yourself, head to the Bedford Independent’s Rugby pages (like that reporter probably should have done).
Politic-no
The Bedford Independent was at the House of Parliament this week, helping to highlight to MPs the importance of local news and what needs to be done to ensure that local journalism survives amidst funding challenges brought about by big tech.
Read: Bedford Independent meets MPs in Westminster to discuss future of local journalism
Having spoken to a number of MPs about the work PINF is doing to highlight the possible solutions, one Bedford Independent staffer was told they should take a career in politics seriously. “You’ve got a talent for it,” the observer said.
They replied with a smile, “Some may not see that as a compliment”.
Committee time
It was encouraging this week to hear the Mayor acknowledge that Bedford Borough Council faces “real troubles”.
Honesty in politics is always welcome, particularly when the council is currently trying to plug an £11.5 million hole in its finances.
Read: £11.5m Bedford Borough Council savings plan includes cuts to staff, voluntary service and libraries
Recognition, after all, is the first step to solving any problem. The second step, it seems, is forming a committee.
Now, to be fair, the new finance committee is meant to provide greater scrutiny and oversight of the council’s financial position, which few would argue isn’t needed right now.
But there is something wonderfully British about the whole thing.
Read: Mayor says Bedford Borough Council has “real troubles” as new finance committee begins work
When faced with a looming financial challenge, a stack of difficult decisions and a great deal of public concern, the machinery of local government turns smoothly to its most reliable tool.
More meetings.
Let’s hope this particular committee proves more than just a talking shop. Because while discussions are important, they won’t balance the books.
That part still requires genuine leadership.
See you soon, Bedford Ian.
PS: If you see anything Bedford Ian might find amusing, let us know at news@BedfordIndependent.co.uk.
