The 2023 Bedford Borough local council and mayoral election polls closed at 10pm on 4 May. While many areas across the UK have counted well into the night, and already announced their results, Bedford Borough count their votes the day after.
Full updates are below. You may need to refresh the page for the latest updates.
We’ll be updating this blog live from the count at the John Bunyan Centre, as soon as the winners for each ward council seat and the winner of the mayoral election are announced.
Announcements are expected to come in during the afternoon but we’ll be reporting from the count from around 9am.
To find your ward results quickly, click on the title below and your candidates will be shown at the top of your page.
Latest updates
(scroll down for earlier updates and full results)
01:43, 6 May 2023
Well, that’s it. It’s been a long day with some interesting results, someone with an annoying laugh, samosas and sweets, oh – and a new mayor.
The borough count is still taking too long, so hopefully the returning officer will look at why that is and see how best to speed things up. Of course, recounts didn’t help.
For now though, like Arlo (we love cats too at the Bedford Independent), we’re off to bed to sleep until Tuesday.
Good night and thanks for all your ongoing support.
01:38, 6 May 2023
RESULT (finally)
The last one…
Wixams and Wilstead
- Steve Conway (Labour) – 516
- Terri Conway (Labour) – 511
- Graeme Stuart Coombes (Conservative) – 1,307
- Marc Jonathan Frost (Conservative) – 1,129
- Sachdev Goldi (Liberal Democrat) – 829
- Linda Anne Jack (Liberal Democrat) – 918
- Amir Khan (Labour) – 448
- Lee James Melville (Independent) – 269
- Andrea Clare Spice (Conservative) – 969
- John Symonds (Liberal Democrat) – 868
Winners: Graeme Stuart Coombes (Conservative), Marc Jonathan Frost (Conservative), Andrea Clare Spice (Conservative) NEW(ish)*
Graeme Coomes HOLDS from his previous ward
01:24, 6 May 2023
You know how in old films there’s a romantic couple dancing as people put chairs away around them as they don’t want the night to end?
Well, that’s what happening now, chairs and tables are being put away as they count the Wixam and Wilstead votes, but there are no romantic couples dancing and I very much do want this night to end.
01:19, 6 May 2023
Apologies, we’ve just noticed that we didn’t add the Shortstown result in the live blog.
RESULT
Shortstown
- Ali Akbor (Labour) – 253
- Richard James Baker (Green Party) – 170
- Stephen Bowering (Liberal Democrat) – 539
- Leigh James Coombs (Liberal Democrat) – 652
- Sarah-Jayne Gallagher (Conservative) – 605
- Sam Holland (Conservative) – 419
- Mansoor Nasir (Labour) – 204
Winners: Leigh James Coombs (Liberal Democrat) and Sarah-Jayne Gallagher (Conservative) NEW
01:01, 6 May 2023
Just one more to go – WHO HAS WON IN WIXAMS AND WILSTEAD?
It’s a new ward made up of previous wards and it’s taking A G E S.
00:38, 6 May 2023
RESULT
And first up… it’s a biggy – 14 candidates!
Queen’s Park
- Ishtiaq Ahmed (Independent) – 248
- Nesreen Akhtar (Labour) – 1,604
- James Stuart Baggaley (Liberal Democrat) – 133
- Sydney Guthrie Campbell (Liberal Democrat) – 193
- Peter Edward Davis (Conservative) – 163
- Mohammed Mahboob Din (Labour) – 1,433
- Zaffar Iqbal (Independent) – 1,042
- Mohammed Masud (Labour) – 1,484
- Gulam Monowar (Independent) – 803
- Kelvin Robert James Plomer (Green Party) – 146
- Mohammad Rafi (Independent) – 1,349
- Rashid Rogers (Liberal Democrat) – 73
- Jennifer Jane Wootton (Conservative) – 182
- Verity Elizabeth Wootton(Conservative) – 146
Winners: Nesreen Akhtar (Labour), Mohammed Mahboob Din (Labour), Mohammed Masud (Labour) HOLD and NEW*
Previously two seats but the new third seats also went to Labour.
Clapham and Oakley
- Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat) – 808
- Thoufique Ali (Labour) – 175
- Lynne Rosemary Gray (Green Party) – 163
- John Raymon Manning (Liberal Democrat) – 539
- June McDonald (Labour) – 200
- Phillipa Elizabeth Rose Simms (Conservative) – 795
- Jane Anne Walker (Conservative) – 1,101
Winner: Jane Anne Walker (Conservative) and Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat) HOLD*
*A merge of two wards, but each councillor holds on to their seat
Wootton and Kempston Rural
- Susan Abood (Liberal Democrat) – 858
- John Gerard Dawson (Labour) – 296
- Hamayun Shaid (Labour) – 268
- Peter John Stephens (Liberal Democrat) – 848
- Tristan Tyerman (Conservative) – 652
- John Stephen Wheeler (Conservative) – 885
Winner: John Stephen Wheeler (Conservative) and Susan Aboob (Liberal Democrat) HOLD and WIN*
*A new ward merged from two previous wards. Both were previously Conservative but Lib Dems have balanced that out
00:38, 6 May 2023
This time yesterday, I was asleep in my nice comfy bed.
00:35, 6 May 2023
RESULT
Clapham and Oakley
- Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat) – 808
- Thoufique Ali (Labour) – 175
- Lynne Rosemary Gray (Green Party) – 163
- John Raymon Manning (Liberal Democrat) – 539
- June McDonald (Labour) – 200
- Phillipa Elizabeth Rose Simms (Conservative) – 795
- Jane Anne Walker (Conservative) – 1,101
Winners: Jane Anne Walker (Conservative) and Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat) NEW
*A merge of two wards, but each councillor holds on to their seat
00:29, 6 May 2023
Dave Hodgson, the now former Mayor of Bedford, has given us an exclusive interview about his loss tonight.
00:17, 6 May 2023
Just five more wards to be announced. We can do this, Bedford.
00:15, 6 May 2023
RESULT
Goldington
- Timothy Charles Caswell (Liberal Democrat) – 792
- Philippa Deirdre Nell Fleming (Green) – 136
- Adrian John Haynes (Reform UK) – 116
- Roger Bernard Jones (Conservative) – 257
- Shane Alexander Kelly (Labour) – 578
- Christine Alison McHugh (Liberal Democrat) – 729
- Catherine Ward (Labour) – 505
Winners: Tim Caswell (Liberal Democrat) and Christine McHugh (Liberal Democrat) HOLD
00:12, 6 May 2023
RESULT
Putnoe
- Jen Feneley (Green) – 245
- Katherine Theresa Groves (Conservative) – 581
- Wendie Marie Harvey (Labour) – 336
- Micheal Paul Headley (Liberal Democrat) – 1,638
- Martin John Macpherson-Lawley (Conservative) – 495
- Geoffrey James Pearce (Labour) – 275
- Max Samuel Charles Royden (Liberal Democrat) – 1,380
Winners: Michael Headley (Liberal Democrat) and Max Royden (Liberal Democrat) HOLD
00:08, 6 May 2023
RESULT
De Parys
- Shaun Bowman (Labour) – 322
- Jason John Gordon (Conservative) – 369
- Mohammad Khayrul Islam (Labour) – 268
- Freddie Linsley (Conservative) – 347
- Harrison Philip James Marley (Green Party) – 230
- David Alexander Sawyer (Liberal Democrat) – 968
- Henry Paul Vann (Liberal Democrat) – 1,044
Winners: David Sawyer (Liberal Democrat) and Henry Vann (Liberal Democrat) HOLD
00:01, 6 May 2023
It’s a new day! Who’s still with us??
23:51, 5 May 2023
As we head towards midnight (I know, we can’t believe we’re still here either), it’s confirmed that the Green Party has taken both seats in the new Castle and Newnham ward.
Castle and Newnham
RESULT
Two seats available (new ward)
- Sam Blacklaws (Labour) – 626
- Simon Mathew Briggs (Conservative) – 295
- Lucy Clare Bywater (Green) – 1,689
- Paul Richard Edmonds (Green) – 1,157
- Hilde Augusta Emilia Hendrickx (Liberal Democrat) – 566
- Tom Pattinson (Liberal Democrat) – 348
- Josh Walker (Conservative) – 284
Winners: Lucy Bywater (Green) and Paul Edmonds (Green) HOLD and NEW*
*Hold for the Green Party in Castle but they now also include Newmham. Paul Edmonds replaces Ben Foley who was elected as councillor for Greayfriars.
23:49, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Kingsbrook
- Dean Gary Crofts (Liberal Democrat) – 879
- Caroline Sara Fensome (Conservative) – 405
- Henna Khanum (Liberal Democrat) – 701
- Nick Meek (Green) – 187
- Ralley Rahman (Labour) – 805
- Sharanjit Kaur Sira (Conservative) – 309
- Mashhuk Miah Ullah (Labour) – 776
Winners: Dean Crofts (Liberal Democrat) and Ralley Rahman (Labour) HOLD AND NEW*
*Ralley Rahman takes back one seat for Labour
23:46, 5 May 2023
The new Mayor, Tom Wootton, has also claimed victory in Wyboston ward. However, as Tom has been elected Mayor, there will be a by-election at some point.
RESULT
Wyboston
- Ian Robert James Nicholls (Labour) – 121
- Thomas Luke Townsend (Liberal Democrat) – 156
- Tom Wootton (Conservative) – 878
Winner: Tom Wootton (Conservative)
23:33, 5 May 2023
Thanks, Erica. Here’s the first interview with Bedford’s new Mayor, Tom Wootton, a Bedford Independent exclusive.
23:27, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Cauldwell
- Fouzia Zamir Atiq (Labour) – 1,331
- Charlotte Elisabeth Margrethe Bagnall (Liberal Democrat) – 279
- Spenser Robert George Groves (Conservative) – 433
- Eve Frances McGrath (Liberal Democrat) – 240
- Ionut Milea (Conservative) – 388
- Antony Tristan Steyn (Liberal Democrat) – 173
- Tunu Abu Sultan (Labour) – 1,137
- Kumar Suresh Sunda (Conservative) – 498
- Harish Thapar (Labour) – 1,127
- Linda Susan Throssell (Green Party) – 224
Three seats available (previously two seats)
Winners: Fouzia Atiq (Labour), Abu Sultan (Labour) and Harish Thapar (Labour) HOLD*
*Fouzia Atiq and Abu Sultan remain, Harish Thapar takes the new seat for a Labour clean sweep
23:21, 5 May 2023
Erica here. Back from the Quarry Theatre and giving Paul some moral support. Some more results have been announced…
RESULT
Bromham
(new ward)
- Gordon William Charlton (Labour) – 419
- Ashley Spencer Firth (Labour) – 383
- Kathryn Louise Hill (Green Party) – 320
- Richard Delian Jones (Liberal Democrat) – 449
- Robert John Rigby (Conservative) – 1,061
- Stephen John Rutherford (Liberal Democrat) – 230
- Dylan Mark Simmons (Conservative) – 1,055
- Kathy Wallis (Reform UK) – 194
Winners: Robert Rigby (Conservative) and Dylan Simmons (Conservative) NEW
23:11, 5 May 2023
OK, we’re a little behind on ward results as I edit quick interviews with the new Mayor and the former Mayor. We’re sure you’d be happy to wait while we do that, won’t you?
22:45, 5 May 2023
We have a mayoral result
- Dave Hodgson (Liberal Democrat) – 15,602
- Tom Wootton (Conservative) – 15,747
- Alberto George Thomas – (Heritage Party) – 887
- Saqhib Ali (Labour and Co-operative Party) – 11,568
- Adrian Spurrell (The Green Party) – 3,795
Winner: Tom Wootton (Conservative) WIN FROM LIB DEM
22:29, 5 May 2023
Mayoral candidates and agents have been asked to come to the front. This could be it.
22:24, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Harpur
- Elizabeth Oluwafunke Akinwande (Conservative) – 276
- David John Allen (Independent) – 258
- Colleen Atkins (Labour) – 1,178
- Barry Ian Freeman (Green Party) – 160
- Martin Joseph Kavanagh (Liberal Democrat) – 158
- Zara Layne (Labour) – 977
- Steve Spring (Conservative) – 302
- Jonathan Westwood (Green Party) – 165
- Patricia Anne Wood (Liberal Democrat) – 128
Winners: Colleen Atkins (Labour) and Zara Layne (Labour) HOLD
22:11, 5 May 2023
I just reread my story about the Bedford Blues dinner and it even bored me.
22:10, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Kempston Central and East
- Mark A Brown (The Green Party) – 170
- Louise Crofts (Liberal Democrat) – 499
- Joseph Adewale Johnson (Conservative) – 256
- Simran Nahar (Conservative) – 224
- Mohammed Nawaz (Labour) – 907
- Jas Parmar (Liberal Democrat) – 612
- Caroline Lisa White (Labour) – 875
Winners: Mohammed Nawaz (Labour) and Caroline Lisa White (Labour) HOLD*
*Caroline Lisa White replaced Kay Burley (Labour) who stepped down.
22:05, 5 May 2023
I remember the first, mayoral election we covered in 2019. That didn’t finish until about 9pm and I was late for the end-of-season dinner at the Blues.
They saved my starter and main for me, and I got there just as they were serving dessert.
22:02, 5 May 2023
Sh*t, when did it get to 10pm?
22:00, 5 May 2023
Brickhill
- Stephen David Bywater (Green Party) – 232
- Warwick Mathew Mackie (Labour) – 352
- Elizabeth Patricia Sophioe Pugsley (Labour) – 380
- Wendy Rider (Liberal Democrat) – 1,201
- Charles Royden (Liberal Democrat) – 1,208
- Scot Gill (Conservative) – 645
- Sharon Jean Thompson (Conservative) – 609
Winners: Wendy Rider (Liberal Democrat) and Charles Royden (Liberal Democrat) HOLD
21:51, 5 May 2023
Shameless plug time, did you know you can follow Misty on Instagram?
https://www.instagram.com/misty.moo.thecockapoo/
If you like that sort of thing.
21:47, 5 May 2023
Have been told the aim is to finish all counts tonight… so, it’s unlikely anything will be postponed until Tuesday.
21:32, 5 May 2023
Looks like Bedford is one of four councils still left to declare. Will we win at being last?
21:28, 5 May 2023
It’s probably a good time to say how well all the count staff are doing. Yeah, it’s taking time but that’s not necessarily their fault. Many of them may have wanted to go home earlier to their families too, and some may have had plans.
However, they’re all still smiling and getting on with the job to make sure the results are accurate.
21:11, 5 May 2023
Throwback to when we were told it would all be done by 7pm
20:55, 5 May 2023
Just noticed a white ‘flag’ at the back of the counting floor, do you think it’s for when we give up?
20:55, 5 May 2023
After a few quick results, it’s all gone very quiet. Even that annoying laugh has stopped.
20:55, 5 May 2023
Thanks all for your comments and support on social media. Just a quick note, any comments that could be defamatory, toward any candidate, will be removed. Whatever your political persuasion all these candidates have stood up to see how they can make Bedford Borough better.
Let’s use our right to freedom of speech responsibly, please.
20:50, 5 May 2023
A few issues with our bandwidth… as it seems like everyone in Bedford is coming to us for updates. We’ve paid our hosts for an increase and the brilliant people at Narrative Industries are helping to keep the site up.
This is a good time to mention, if we may, that running this site does cost money. We all work part-time for the Bedford Independent and if you value what we do, please do help us pay for that extra bandwidth being used today.
We don’t charge for the news you read, so if you can spare a couple of quid, please click below.
20:39, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Riverfield (new ward)
- Neil Stuart Mann (Labour) – 143
- John Norman Robertson (Conservative) – 223
- Daniel Stachowiak (Green Party) – 56
- Billy Richard Thompson (Liberal Democrat) – 524
Winner: Billy Richard Thompson (Liberal Democrat) NEW
20:23, 5 May 2023
Ever get the feeling that if you went to the loo, you may miss something? What’s the world record for holding it in?
20:22, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Sharnbrook
- Douglas Hansen-Luke (Conservative) – 252
- Thomas Owain McEwan (Labour) – 123
- Doug McMurdo (Independent) – 946
- Paul Bernard Stekelis (Liberal Democrat) – 90
Winner: Doug McMurdo (Independent) HOLD
20:12, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Renhold and Ravensden (new ward)
- Fiona Joanna Cardinale (Conservative) – 397
- Nicola Louise Gribble (Independent) – 564
- Conrad Holden Longmore (Liberal Democrat) – 78
- Melanie Louise Purves (Labour) – 98
Winner: Nicola Louise Gribble (Independent) NEW
20:05, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Riseley
- Joanne Louise Hill (Green Party) – 142
- Lorna Rose Marchant (Liberal Democrat) – 121
- Min Rodriguez (Labour) – 265
- Martin Edward James Towler (Conservative) – 865
Winner: Martin Edward James Towler (Conservative) HOLD
Kempston West
- Paramjeet Kaur (Liberal Democrat) – 60
- Markus Keany (Communist Party of Britain) – 5
- James Andrew Long (Green Party) – 26
- James Emmanuel Valentine (Labour) – 615
- Elizabeth Dawn Wootton (Conservative) – 191
Winner: James Emmanuel Valentine (Labour) HOLD
Great Denham
- Tim Crowhurst (Green) – 42
- Joanna Beata Szaub-Newton (Liberal Democrat) – 295
- Mohammad Teahleel (Labour) – 132
- Jim Weir (Conservative) – 623
Winners: Jim Weir (Conservative) HOLD
19:35, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Blimey, two results at a time…
Harrold
- David Dennis Bevan (Labour) – 164
- Alison Jane Foster (Conservative) – 789
- Niamh Elizabeth Lynch (Green) – 160
- James David Stuart Thompson (Liberal Democrat) – 190
Winner: Alison Jane Foster (Conservative). HOLD
and
Kempston North
- Laura Mary Fitzgerald (Green Party) – 78
- Elizabeth Hedison (Conservative) – 233
- Sue Oliver (Labour) – 665
- Bipinchandra Shah (Liberal Democrat) – 50
Winner: Sue Oliver (Labour) HOLD
19:35, 5 May 2023
Just got a flurry of texts over our use of ‘Chazzle Dazzle’. 50% love it, 50% hate it.
If only the Mayoral election would deliver results that quickly.
19:30, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Kempston South
- Carl Rex Meader (Labour) – 902
- Sanjay Patel (Green Party) – 31
- Barry Ryan (Conservative) – 113
- Janey Elizabeth Trengrove – 44
Winner: Carl Rex Meader (Labour) HOLD
19:27, 5 May 2023
Ward counts now flying… but still not sure what’s happening with the mayoral count. It was close before, maybe it’s now even closer?
Someone reminded me earlier of Kensinton’s general election count in 2017. Recounts were going on for 12 hours. Staff were falling asleep, so it was suspended until the next day.
Can you imagine, if that happened now? A democratic election count on the same day as the Chazzle Dazzle?
19:15, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Greyfriars (new ward)
Cheers from the floor as it’s announced Ben Foley (Green) remains a councillor, albeit in a new ward.
- Karen Rosalie Boyes (Conservative) – 67
- Ben Foley (Green) – 274
- Paul Mannion (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) – 6
- Syedur Rahman (Independent) – 144
- Sudesh Rani (Labour) – 223
- Nigel Jason Spencer (Liberal Democrats) – 43
Winner: Ben Foley (Green)
19:15, 5 May 2023
Two results down, a MILLION more to go.
19:12, 5 May 2023
RESULT
Great Barford
Turnout: 40.9%
- Phillippa Anne Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative) – 781
- Malcolm Raymond Smith (Liberal Democrat) – 103
- Harvey Stimson (Labour) – 73
- Toby Waltham (Green) – 160
Winner: Phillippa Anne Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative) HOLD*
This ward did previously have two seats, the second of which was held by the late Cllr Stephen Moon (Conservative). The boundary changes moved this to a one seat ward which is still held by Cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant.
19:02, 5 May 2023
RESULT
We have a result… but it’s not the Mayoral one yet.
Biddenham, one of the new wards has been announced.
- Jon Gambold (Conservative) – 442
- Christopher Paul Howes (Labour) – 90
- Stelios Mores (Liberal Democrat) – 40
- Adrian Spurrell (The Green Pary) – 423
Winner: Jon Gambold (Conservative) NEW
19:01, 5 May 2023
Oh, alright then. As you all asked so nicely. Here’s Misty.
18:32, 5 May 2023
Can we just say how lovely we think the backdrop on the big screen is. It makes you proud to be a Bedfordian – even if you weren’t born here.
Read: Column: What makes a true Bedfordian?
18:32, 5 May 2023
Laughs from the media room as someone has just announced the cafe will close at 7pm.
Clearly, they’ve never seen journalists who haven’t got access to coffee.
18:31, 5 May 2023
They’ve just started counting the single-seat ward councillor votes.
WHEN. WILL. IT. END?
18:27, 5 May 2023
While we wait, let’s have a pop quiz.
What do you think has been the highlight of the day so far?
- A, Somosas?
- B, Being told off for filming on the count floor when we weren’t?
- C, Chocolate buttons, Cheese Savoury Nibbles and Swizzles Drumsticks?
- D, The lovely coffee from the cafe?
- E, Going home to quickly see the dog?
18:20, 5 May 2023
Thanks for all the love on our social channels and text/WhatsApp messages, by the way. The fact you are enjoying these updates shows we’re doing things right.
A point of interest for you, this live blog has been read, so far, 53,655 times. Thank you.
18:15, 5 May 2023
Right, we’re back. Here’s what we know so far…
It’s close, like REALLY close and so a recount has been called. We think it could be another hour before we get anywhere near an official announcement. There is speculation, but as far as we’re concerned, if it hasn’t come from the returning officer, it’s just a rumour.
17:41, 5 May 2023
We’re just taking a short break to freshen up and check on Misty (the dog) at home.
Back soon.
16:54, 5 May 2023
The returning officer, Laura Church has just announced that, because the votes are so close, there will be what she calls “a bundle flick through” recount of the mayoral ballot papers. This means that each bundle of 10 and 50 votes will be checked to make sure that they have the correct number of ballot papers in each bundle. There is no confirmation of how long this will take – eye roll emoji.
The returning officer is currently briefing the teams and we’ll let you know when the counting starts.
16:46, 5 May 2023
Lots of candidates and agents hanging around. We’re hearing rumours an announcement may be coming BUT we understand that announcement may not be a result. Reading between the lines, this could be a long night.
16:23, 5 May 2023
More people are gathering near the stage, suggesting an announcement could be imminent, or they’re just moving around for a change of scene.
15:52, 5 May 2023
We knew it wouldn’t be minutes.
15:32, 5 May 2023
We think an announcement on the mayoral results could be minutes (probably more) away…
15:13, 5 May 2023
Just been asked, “what’s occurring?” The answer is NOTHING.
Apparently, another half an hour for the results, which is what we’ve been told for the past two hours.
I picked the wrong day to give up drinking at work.
14:45, 5 May 2023
Just been for some fresh air and it’s apparently been raining outside. Which was a nice update from the outside world.
A few supporters of various parties having a break outside tell us they were told the whole thing will be done by 8pm.
People are told a lot of things about timings at election counts.
14:16, 5 May 2023
If you missed it earlier as you’re on a mobile device, which about 80% of you are, here’s the interview with Green Party candidate for Castle Ward, Lucy Bywater.
(From our 12:56 update) We’ve just been chatting with Lucy Bywater, a Green Party candidate in Castle Ward. Many consider her a local superstar in her ward, thanks to the work she and Ben Foley have done as councillors.
She’s seeking re-election, while Ben is looking to be elected in the new Greayfriars Ward. There has also been a flurry of Green Party councillors standing in this election. 24 have stood as a Green candidate this year, that’s 10 more than in 2019.
Here’s what Lucy had to say about the hopes for more green councillors in Bedford Borough and the gains the party has made in other parts of the country.
14:02, 5 May 2023
A message from the council’s press team to the MegaMedia WhatsApp group™️, suggests the Mayoral election result could be with us in about an hour.
13:55, 5 May 2023
Turnout figures are in:
- Mayoral elections: 35%
- Council elections: 35%
For the Mayoral election in 2019, turnout was 37%. So, we’re two points down. Also, 13 points down from 2011 which is the last comparable election. However, the population of Bedford Borough has grown so actual votes could still be similar to or even above previous counts.
About 79% of Bedford Borough’s population is of voting age, according to the last census in 2021.
We think, based on some rough calculations fuelled by cheese nibbles and a drumstick lolly, 52,500 people voted.
13:40, 5 May 2023
We may have turnout figures soon. But then they said we’d have the mayoral result by lunchtime, so…
13:39, 5 May 2023
OMG – that laugh is grating.
13:14, 5 May 2023
Slight delay with the mayoral results as Laura (returning officer) wants to have a box recounted. She apologised for the delay but “wants this count to be correct”.
12:56, 5 May 2023
We’ve just been chatting with Lucy Bywater, a Green Party candidate in Castle Ward. Many consider her a local superstar in her ward, thanks to the work she and Ben Foley have done as councillors.
She’s seeking re-election, while Ben is looking to be elected in the new Greayfriars Ward. There has also been a flurry of Green Party councillors standing in this election. 24 have stood as a Green candidate this year, that’s 10 more than in 2019.
Here’s what Lucy had to say about the hopes for more green councillors in Bedford Borough and the gains the party has made in other parts of the country.
12:44, 5 May 2023
Update direct from Laura Church, returning officer. Verifications are almost complete and then some counting teams will have lunch.
They’ve got 20 mins and then counting will start. Remember, it’s first past the post so that count might not take long at all.
12:31, 5 May 2023
Don’t worry, the samosas aren’t going to waste.
12:25, 5 May 2023
Live update from the media WhatsApp group – it’s an exclusive club. Council staff say they’re not expecting a mayoral election result “before 1pm”.
12:20, 5 May 2023
EXCITEMENT – someone’s just caused a furore trying to bring in a load of samosas for the count staff which is not allowed apparently.
Police have even been on standby, just in case they get past security.
What a day.
12:16, 5 May 2023
It’s worth noting that the media team at Bedford Borough Council are a wonderful bunch. Not only are they fielding endless questions from multiple journalists, some who aren’t even here, and getting candidates for us to interview, they’ve provided water, bananas, grapes, wet wipes and a bowl of everyone’s favourite sweets. Nice one.
11:40, 5 May 2023
Our lunch.*
*there’s some fruit somewhere too.
11:40, 5 May 2023
Postal votes are being counted… which sometimes indicates in-person votes are being counted quickly. The mayoral result could be announced within the hour.
Famous last words.
11:18, 5 May 2023
We’ve found out who that laugh belongs to.
11:01, 5 May 2023
Nice little reader comfort update – we’ve turned off national ads within our blog, so it’s easier to read and you can get all the info you want without hindrance.
Local ads are still on, so local businesses can get a boost still.
10:50, 5 May 2023
Just been on the count floor, and have caught up with all the candidates. There’s a general feeling that none of them have any idea how things will go. The national results have really thrown a spanner in the works, and pre-election claims are certainly not as clear-cut as they may have believed just 12 hours ago.
We love the smell of democracy in the morning at the Bedford Independent.
Saqhib Ali, Labour says, “It’s been interesting to see the results across the county”. When asked if he was quietly confident, he simply said, “let’s see”.
Adrian Spurell for the Green Party was even more closed in his response, with a smile he told us, “It’ll be what it’ll be”.
Dave Hodgson, current Lid Dem mayor seems a little more nervous than he has been at previous counts, but he says he’s “feeling positive”, and that they had good reception while speaking to voters yesterday, “so, now we wait for the result”, he said.
Alberto George from the Heritage Party was good enough to come and chat with us too. He’s also “feeling positive” but more so about being able to highlight issues he says many people “don’t know about”. He says, “We’ve put the other parties on notice. If you don’t stand up for your children now, your children won’t be able to stand up”.
Tom Wootton (Conservative), reiterated that he’s “nervous as buggery” and it’s “too close to call” but he added he has “loved the campaign”.
Now we wait.
10:11, 5 May 2023
Want to see some pictures? Here’s what the count floor is looking like right now. A few candidates and agents around, no doubt more will come later. Counters getting on with, erm, counting and generally, there’s quite a nice buzz.
NEW FOR 2023. Laura Church has brought Bedford Borough’s count into the 21st century. They’ve gone digital, folks. Big screens with all the results (just like most other councils have had for years). This is exciting.
09:59, 5 May 2023
Looking a bit deeper into Tom’s feelings, he has a right to be nervous. Yes, it’s always a long wait when for the results when you’re a candidate, but looking at the national picture, the Tories have taken a pounding so far.
At this point, the BBC is reporting Conservatives have lost 228 seats, whereas Labour and Lib Dem have won some key seats, gaining 119 and 61 seats respectively. Greens are also doing well having gained 33 and independents have gained 22.
The Lib Dems have fought a local campaign based on keeping the Conservatives away from the position of mayor, stating that only they can beat them. “It’s a Lib Dem versus Conservative race,” say their leaflets, with Labour coming a distant third in 2019.
With the results coming in from other councils though, and the issues around EWR, it may not be as clear-cut as that.
09:49, 5 May 2023
Here’s what we know so far.
- Tom Wootton (Conservative Mayoral Candidate) is nervous
- Charles Royden (Lib Dem, Brickhill), looks like he’s had a haircut
- The ladies at the cafe at the John Bunyan Centre are lovely
09:18, 5 May 2023
Good morning – we’re here and it’s already looking busy on the floor. Quite quiet in the press room with John Guinn, the excellent LDRS reporter, the only other journalist here so far.
We’ll be bringing you updates from the count LIVE, and we’re very excited. We have a new returning officer too, so it’ll be interesting to see how they organise things. Surely they’ll be able to beat the horribly long counts of the past.
Read: Election count “shambles” – Bedford Borough Council criticised for delayed results
The new(ish) CEO of Bedford Borough Council, Laura Church, has taken over the position of Returning Officer from Phil Simkins. It might be her first count here but it’s not her first count overall, so we’re confident things will run smoothly.
We’re expecting the mayoral result around “lunchtime” so that could be anytime between 12pm and 2pm. Until then, we’ll see what the candidates and agents have to say and maybe even have a few live videos on our social pages too.
For now, I’m off to get a coffee and maybe find out who owns that annoying laugh we can all hear outside the media room door.
Results
Tap or click on the heading in the table to jump to the results you want.
Mayoral
Mayoral Election
The Elections Act 2022 changed the rules for this election and it is now a first-past-the-post system.
Turnout: 35%
- Dave Hodgson (Liberal Democrat) – 15,602
- Tom Wootton (Conservative) – 15,747
- Alberto George Thomas – (Heritage Party) – 887
- Saqhib Ali (Labour and Co-operative Party) – 11,568
- Adrian Spurrell (The Green Party) -3,795
Winner: Tom Wootton (Conservative) WIN FROM LIB DEM
Ward councillors:
Biddenham
Biddenham
One seat available (new ward)
Turnout: 41.4%
- Jon Gambold (Conservative) – 442
- Christopher Paul Howes (Labour) – 90
- Stelios Mores (Liberal Democrat) – 40
- Adrian Spurrell (The Green Pary) – 423
Winner: Jon Gambold (Conservative) NEW
Brickhill
Brickhill
Two seats available
Turnout: 36.8%
- Stephen David Bywater (Green Party) – 232
- Warwick Mathew Mackie (Labour) – 352
- Elizabeth Patricia Sophioe Pugsley (Labour) – 380
- Wendy Rider (Liberal Democrat) – 1201
- Charles Royden (Liberal Democrat) – 1208
- Scot Gill (Conservative) – 645
- Sharon Jean Thompson (Conservative) – 609
Winners: Wendy Rider (Liberal Democrat) and Charles Royden (Liberal Democrat)
Bromham
Bromham
Two seats available (new ward)
Turnout: 39.0%
- Gordon William Charlton (Labour) – 419
- Ashley Spencer Firth (Labour) – 383
- Kathryn Louise Hill (Green Party) – 320
- Richard Delian Jones (Liberal Democrat) – 449
- Robert John Rigby (Conservative) – 1,061
- Stephen John Rutherford (Liberal Democrat) – 230
- Dylan Mark Simmons (Conservative) – 1,055
- Kathy Wallis (Reform UK) – 194
Winners: Robert Rigby (Conservative) and Dylan Simmons (Conservative) NEW
CastleandNewnham
Castle and Newnham
Two seats available (new ward)
Turnout: 44.6%
- Sam Blacklaws (Labour) – 626
- Simon Mathew Briggs (Conservative) – 295
- Lucy Clare Bywater (Green) – 1,689
- Paul Richard Edmonds (Green) – 1,157
- Hilde Augusta Emilia Hendrickx (Liberal Democrat) – 566
- Tom Pattinson (Liberal Democrat) – 348
- Josh Walker (Conservative) – 284
Winners: Lucy Bywater (Green) and Paul Edmonds (Green) HOLD/New*
*Hold for the Green Party in Castle but they now also include Newmham. Paul Edmonds replaces Ben Foley who was elected as councillor for Greyfriars.
Cauldwell
Cauldwell
Three seats available (previously two seats)
Turnout: 26.0%
- Fouzia Zamir Atiq (Labour) – 1,331
- Charlotte Elisabeth Margrethe Bagnall (Liberal Democrat) – 279
- Spenser Robert George Groves (Conservative) – 433
- Eve Frances McGrath (Liberal Democrat) – 240
- Ionut Milea (Conservative) – 388
- Antony Tristan Steyn (Liberal Democrat) – 173
- Tunu Abu Sultan (Labour) – 1,137
- Kumar Suresh Sunda (Conservative) – 498
- Harish Thapar (Labour) – 1,127
- Linda Susan Throssell (Green Party) – 224
Winners: Fouzia Atiq (Labour), Abu Sultan (Labour) and Harish Thapar (Labour) HOLD*
*Fouzia Atiq and Abu Sultan remain, Harish Thapar takes the new seat for a Labour clean sweep
Clapham and Oakley
Clapham and Oakley
Two seats available (new ward)
Turnout: 37.9%
- Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat) – 808
- Thoufique Ali (Labour) – 175
- Lynne Rosemary Gray (Green Party) – 163
- John Raymon Manning (Liberal Democrat) – 539
- June McDonald (Labour) – 200
- Phillipa Elizabeth Rose Simms (Conservative) – 795
- Jane Anne Walker (Conservative) – 1,101
Winner: Jane Anne Walker (Conservative) and Jonathan Abbott (Liberal Democrat)
De Parys
De Parys
Two seats available
Turnout: 35.3%
- Shaun Bowman (Labour) – 322
- Jason John Gordon (Conservative) – 369
- Mohammad Khayrul Islam (Labour) – 268
- Freddie Linsley (Conservative) – 347
- Harrison Philip James Marley (Green Party) – 230
- David Alexander Sawyer (Liberal Democrat) – 968
- Henry Paul Vann (Liberal Democrat) – 1,044
Winners: David Sawyer (Liberal Democrat) and Henry Vann (Liberal Democrat) HOLD
Goldington
Goldington
Two seats available
Turnout: 29.3%
- Timothy Charles Caswell (Liberal Democrat) – 792
- Philippa Deirdre Nell Fleming (Green) – 136
- Adrian John Haynes (Reform UK) – 116
- Roger Bernard Jones (Conservative) – 257
- Shane Alexander Kelly (Labour) – 578
- Christine Alison McHugh (Liberal Democrat) – 729
- Catherine Ward (Labour) – 505
Winners: Tim Caswell (Liberal Democrat) and Christine McHugh (Liberal Democrat)HOLD
Great Barford
Great Barford
One seat available
Turnout: 40.9%
- Phillippa Anne Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative) – 781
- Malcolm Raymond Smith (Liberal Democrat) – 103
- Harvey Stimson (Labour) – 73
- Toby Waltham (Green) – 160
Winners: Phillippa Anne Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative) HOLD
Great Denham
Great Denham
One seat available (previously two seats)
Turnout: 34.8%
- Tim Crowhurst (Green) – 42
- Joanna Beata Szaub-Newton (Liberal Democrat) – 295
- Mohammad Teahleel (Labour) – 132
- Jim Weir (Conservative) – 623
Winners: Jim Weir (Conservative) HOLD
Greyfriars
Greyfriars
One seat available (New ward)
Turnout: 26.5%
- Karen Rosalie Boyes (Conservative) – 67
- Ben Foley (Green) – 274
- Paul Mannion (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) – 6
- Syedur Rahman (Independent) – 144
- Sudesh Rani (Labour) – 223
- Nigel Jason Spencer (Liberal Democrats) – 43
Winners: Ben Foley (Green) NEW
Harpur
Harpur
Two seats available
Turnout: 30.4%
- Elizabeth Oluwafunke Akinwande (Conservative) – 276
- David John Allen (Independent) – 258
- Colleen Atkins (Labour) – 1178
- Barry Ian Freeman (Green Party) – 160
- Martin Joseph Kavanagh (Liberal Democrat) – 158
- Zara Layne (Labour) – 977
- Steve Spring (Conservative) – 302
- Jonathan Westwood (Green Party) – 165
- Patricia Anne Wood (Liberal Democrat) – 128
Winners: Colleen Atkins (Labour) and Zara Layne (Labour) HOLD
Harrold
Harrold
One seat available
Turnout: 40.9%
- David Dennis Bevan (Labour) – 164
- Alison Jane Foster (Conservative) – 789
- 7Niamh Elizabeth Lynch (Green) – 160
- James David Stuart Thompson (Liberal Democrat) – 190
Winner: Alison Jane Foster (Conservative) HOLD
KempstonCentral
Kempston Central and East
Two seats available
Turnout: 28.5%
- Mark A Brown (The Green Party) – 170
- Louise Crofts (Liberal Democrat) – 499
- Joseph Adewale Johnson (Conservative) – 256
- Simran Nahar (Conservative) – 224
- Mohammed Nawaz (Labour) – 907
- Jas Parmar (Liberal Democrat) – 612
- Caroline Lisa White (Labour) – 875
Winners: Mohammed Nawaz (Labour) and Caroline Lisa White (Labour) HOLD*
*Caroline Lisa White replaced Kay Burley (Labour) who stepped down.
KempstonNorth
Kempston North
One seat available
Turnout: 32%
- Laura Mary Fitzgerald (Green Party) – 78
- Elizabeth Hedison (Conservative) – 233
- Sue Oliver (Labour) – 665
- Bipinchandra Shah (Liberal Democrat) – 50
Winner: Sue Oliver (Labour) HOLD
KempstonSouth
Kempston South
One seat available
Turnout: 33.5%
- Carl Rex Meader (Labour) – 902
- Sanjay Patel (Green Party) – 31
- Barry Ryan (Conservative) – 113
- Janey Elizabeth Trengrove – 44
Winner: Carl Rex Meader (Labour) HOLD
KempstonWest
Kempston West
One seat available
Turnout: 28.9%
- Paramjeet Kaur (Liberal Democrat) – 60
- Markus Keany (Communist Party of Britain) – 5
- James Andrew Long (Green Party) – 26
- James Emmanuel Valentine (Labour) – 615
- Elizabeth Dawn Wootton (Conservative) – 191
Winner: James Emmanuel Valentine (Labour) HOLD
Kingsbrook
Kingsbrook
Two seats available
Turnout: 29.9%
- Dean Gary Crofts (Liberal Democrat) – 879
- Caroline Sara Fensome (Conservative) – 405
- Henna Khanum (Liberal Democrat) – 701
- Nick Meek (Green) – 187
- Ralley Rahman (Labour) – 805
- Sharanjit Kaur Sira (Conservative) – 309
- Mashhuk Miah Ullah (Labour) – 776
Winners: Dean Crofts (LibDem) and Ralley Rahman (Labour) HOLD AND NEW*
*Ralley Rahman takes back one seat for Labour
Putnoe
Putnoe
Two seats available
Turnout: 40.6%
- Jen Feneley (Green) – 245
- Katherine Theresa Groves (Conservative) – 581
- Wendie Marie Harvey (Labour) – 336
- Micheal Paul Headley (Liberal Democrat) – 1,638
- Martin John Macpherson-Lawley (Conservative) – 495
- Geoffrey James Pearce (Labour) – 275
- Max Samuel Charles Royden (Liberal Democrat) – 1,380
Winners: Michael Headley (LibDem) and Max Royden (LibDem) HOLD
Queens Park
Queens Park
Three seats available (previously two seats)
Turnout: 48.8%
- Ishtiaq Ahmed (Independent) –
- Nesreen Akhtar (Labour) – 1,604
- James Stuart Baggaley (Liberal Democrat) – 133
- Sydney Guthrie Campbell (Liberal Democrat) – 193
- Peter Edward Davis (Conservative) – 163
- Mohammed Mahboob Din (Labour) – 1,433
- Zaffar Iqbal (Independent) – 1,042
- Mohammed Masud (Labour) – 1,484
- Gulam Monowar (Independent) –
- Kelvin Robert James Plomer (Green Party) – 146
- Mohammad Rafi (Independent) – 1,249
- Rashid Rogers (Liberal Democrat) – 73
- Jennifer Jane Wootton (Conservative) – 182
- Verity Elizabeth Wootton(Conservative) – 146
Winners: Nesreen Akhtar (Labour), Mohammed Mahboob Din (Labour), Mohammed Masud (Labour)
Renhold and Ravensden
Renhold and Ravensden
One seat available (new ward)
Turnout: 37%
- Fiona Joanna Cardinale (Conservative) – 397
- Nicola Louise Gribble (Independent) – 564
- Conrad Holden Longmore (Liberal Democrat) – 78
- Melanie Louise Purves (Labour) – 98
Winner: Nicola Louise Gribble (Independent) NEW
Riseley
Riseley
One seat available
Turnout: 44%
- Joanne Louise Hill (Green Party) – 142
- Lorna Rose Marchant (Liberal Democrat) – 121
- Min Rodriguez (Labour) – 265
- Martin Edward James Towler (Conservative) – 865
Winner: Martin Edward James Towler (Conservative) HOLD
Riverfield
Riverfield
One seat available (new ward)
Turnout: 32.3%
- Neil Stuart Mann (Labour) – 143
- John Norman Robertson (Conservative) – 223
- Daniel Stachowiak (Green Party) – 56
- Billy Richard Thompson (Liberal Democrat) – 524
Winner: Billy Richard Thompson (Liberal Democrat) HOLD
Sharnbrook
Sharnbrook
One seat available
Turnout: 44.6%
- Douglas Hansen-Luke (Conservative) – 252
- Thomas Owain McEwan (Labour) – 123
- Doug McMurdo (Independent) – 946
- Paul Bernard Stekelis (Liberal Democrat) – 90
Winner: Doug McMurdo (Independent) HOLD
Shortstown
Shortstown
Two seats available (new ward)
Turnout: 30.9%
- Ali Akbor (Labour) – 253
- Richard James Baker (Green Party) – 170
- Stephen Bowering (Liberal Democrat) – 539
- Leigh James Coombs (Liberal Democrat) – 652
- Sarah-Jayne Gallagher (Conservative) – 605
- Sam Holland (Conservative) – 419
- Mansoor Nasir (Labour) – 204
Winners: Leigh James Coombs (Liberal Democrat) and Sarah-Jayne Gallagher (Conservative)
Wixams and Wilstead
Wixams and Wilstead
Three seats available (new ward)
Turnout: 31.4%
- Steve Conway (Labour) – 516
- Terri Conway (Labour) – 511
- Graeme Stuart Coombes (Conservative) – 1,307
- Marc Jonathan Frost (Conservative) – 1,129
- Sachdev Goldi (Liberal Democrat) – 829
- Linda Anne Jack (Liberal Democrat) – 918
- Amir Khan (Labour) – 448
- Lee James Melville (Independent) – 269
- Andrea Clare Spice (Conservative) – 969
- John Symonds (Liberal Democrat) – 868
- Winners: Graeme Stuart Coombes (Conservative), Marc Jonathan Frost (Conservative), Andrea Clare Spice (Conservative) NEW
Wootton and Kempston Rural
Two seats available (new ward)
Turnout: 33.6%
- Susan Abood (Liberal Democrat) – 858
- John Gerard Dawson (Labour) – 396
- Hamayun Shaid (Labour) – 268
- Peter John Stephens (Liberal Democrat) – 848
- Tristan Tyerman (Conservative) – 652
- John Stephen Wheeler (Conservative) – 885
Winner: John Wheeler (Conservative) and Susan Abood (Liberal Democrat) (HOLD and NEW)
Wyboston
Wyboston
One seat available
Turnout: 42.1%
- Ian Robert James Nicholls (Labour) – 121
- Thomas Luke Townsend (Liberal Democrat) – 156
- Tom Wootton (Conservative) – 878
- Winner: Tom Wootton (Conservative)*
*As Tom has been elected Mayor, there will be a by-election at some point.
