Senior Conservative councillor Robert Rigby has resigned from Bedford Borough Council’s cabinet with “immediate effect”, citing concerns over Mayor Tom Wootton’s leadership.
Cllr Rigby, who represents Bromham ward and served as portfolio holder for valuing families: adult services, announced his resignation following a meeting with the mayor.
In a statement to the area’s Local Democracy Reporter, he said: “It is with great regret that, following a meeting with the mayor, I have resigned from the cabinet with immediate effect.
“I felt that I could no longer stay in his cabinet any longer.”
Cllr Rigby added that he had provided Mayor Wootton with “a detailed letter” outlining his concerns.
He said: “I would like to thank all the staff in Adults [Services] for all their hard work over the years.
“I would like to reassure all my Conservative colleagues of my full support in the months ahead as we run into the elections next year.”
Councillor Rigby is regarded as one of the more experienced and respected senior figures within the Conservative group, and his resignation is likely to increase political pressure on the mayor ahead of next year’s local elections.
Mayor Tom Wootton has been approached for comment.
Growing pressure
The resignation comes amid growing political pressure on the mayor’s administration.
Earlier this year, opposition councillors from across Bedford Borough Council jointly called on Mayor Wootton to resign, with Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent councillors all backing criticism of his leadership.
Read: Councillors launch joint petition calling for Bedford Borough mayor to resign
A joint petition launched by opposition groups accused the mayor of creating “chaos” within the council and damaging trust in the authority’s leadership.
The mayor has repeatedly rejected calls to step down and has previously said he intends to stand again in 2027, arguing voters should judge him on his record.
Read: Bedford mayor plans 2027 re-election bid amid warnings of political shake-up
Councillor Rigby’s resignation is likely to intensify scrutiny of the administration at a politically sensitive time for the Conservative group.
By John Guinn, Local Democracy Reporter
Additional reporting by Paul Hutchinson, Bedford Independent
