Another senior Bedford Borough councillor has resigned from Mayor Tom Wootton’s cabinet, deepening pressure on the Conservative administration following another high-profile departure and renewed political criticism.
Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant has stepped down as portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services, becoming the second cabinet member to resign within days.
The Conservative councillor for Great Barford said she was leaving the role after three years to focus on personal commitments, but insisted she would continue serving residents as a backbench councillor.
In a statement, cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant described it as a “privilege” to serve Bedford Borough and said housing, community safety and regulatory services were now on a “much more sound financial footing”.
“There is more to do as the council transforms, but I feel I have given all I can at this time, and I need to focus on personal commitments,” she said.
While this latest resignation appears to be for different reasons, it comes just days after cllr Robert Rigby (Conservative, Bromham) quit the cabinet with “immediate effect”, saying he could no longer remain part of the mayor’s leadership team.
Read: Respected senior councillor quits Mayor Wootton’s cabinet with immediate effect
Councillor Rigby, who had responsibility for adult services, later confirmed he had provided Mayor Wootton with a “detailed letter” outlining concerns over the mayor’s leadership.
The twin departures come against an increasingly difficult political backdrop for the Conservative administration, with all opposition groups on Bedford Borough Council having previously called for Mayor Wootton to resign.
Recent months have also seen criticism over the council’s finances, leadership style and a “Requires Improvement” judgement for adult services.
Mayor responds
Mayor Tom Wootton praised cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant following her resignation, describing her as both a close colleague and friend.
“I cannot speak highly enough of Phillippa, as a politician, as a colleague, and as a friend,” he said.
“There will always be a place available for her in any cabinet of mine and any administration I am a part of.”
Responding earlier this week to cllr Rigby’s departure, the mayor said: “[Robert] has carried out his role to the best of his ability, and I am sad to see him go. We all thank him for his time.”
The mayor has also said a cabinet reshuffle would bring “renewed vigour” and focus to the council over the next 12 months.
Political pressure
Read: Political pressure grows after senior councillor quits Mayor Wootton’s cabinet
The latest resignation is likely to intensify scrutiny of the administration ahead of next year’s local elections.
Opposition parties have already accused the mayor’s administration of instability and poor leadership, while social media reaction to councillor Rigby’s resignation included comparisons to a “sinking ship”.
Read: Bedford mayor plans 2027 re-election bid amid warnings of political shake-up
Despite the growing pressure, Mayor Wootton has continued to defend his administration publicly and insists the council remains focused on delivering transformation and financial recovery.
By John Guinn, Local Democracy Reporter and
Paul Hutchinson, Bedford Independent
