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9 November 2026
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Politics

All the latest Political and politics news from across Bedford Borough. Everything you need to keep you up to date with what’s happening in Bedford Borough on your mobile or desktop via the Bedford Independent.

The Bedford Independent was founded to provide the people of Bedford Borough with a modern news desk that would give them easy access to genuine and unbiased Bedford news. We are independent in ownership and opinion.

Our mission is to inform and inspire the people of Bedford. To do this we will work hard to bring them the news that matters to them from our town centre to the most rural of the Borough’s villages.

Our editorial team are NCTJ trained and follows a standards code set out by the independent press regulator IMPRESS Standards.

Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Mayor ignores questions after posting political ‘power grab’ misinformation on social media

Elected mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton has refused to answer questions after posting political claims on social media regarding government commissioners...
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Mayor Tom Wootton standing along Bedfords Embankment with the town bridge in the background

Bedford Borough Council to review mayor’s assistant role after political interference allegations

Bedford Borough Council is reviewing the mayor's assistant role following a damning report highlighting political interference and bullying. The Best Value Inspection report found...
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Tempsford village sign near Church of St Peter with the village cemetery in the background

House of Lords committee warns major barriers threaten Tempsford new town

Barriers remain to building the next generation of new towns, including one at Tempsford, according to a new report. But measures can ensure the programme is delivered...
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Bedford Borough Council political parties collage

‘You are all to blame’: Government inspectors’ stark message to all political groups at Bedford Borough Council

Opposition parties and the Conservative administration at Bedford Borough Council are divided following a highly critical government inspection report highlighting a combative political culture...
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Councillors gather in council chambers for the extraordinary full council meeting to debate and vote on a motion to hold a referendum on the position of Mayor of Bedford Borough, 16 September 2026. Image: Bedford Independent screenshot of Bedford Borough Council webcast.

‘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...
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Bedford Borough Hall Bedford Borough council signage and entrance

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...
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Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party addressing the audience at The Conservative Party on 4 October 2026. Image: repic/Shutterstock.

Monthly column: Conference season showed the Conservatives are the only party with a serious plan

Another party conference season is over, and the message was clear: if you want a country where hard work is rewarded, businesses can thrive, our borders are controlled, and people...
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Bedford Park showing bedding plants and the bandstand Image Bedford Borough Council

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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Practical Driving Test Certificate and provisional driving licence. Image: mundissima/Shutterstock.

Monthly column: Driving test delays – slowly but surely progress being made to tackle backlog

Anyone trying to book a driving test in Bedford and Kempston will know how frustrating the process has become. The pandemic created a significant backlog when tests were suspended...
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Podington Padel Players at Borough Hall Image Hannah Mahon We Are Bedford

Podington farm padel courts approved after councillors overturn officer refusal

Around 30 participants from Podington attended a meeting at Borough Hall in Bedford to support their popular activity. Applicant Bromborough Estate was seeking part-retrospective...
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