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28 August 2026
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Cllr Robert Rigby

Mayes Yard development plans. Image Bedford Borough Council

Letters: Investing for those who come after

There is an old and famous Greek proverb, “A community grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they may never sit.” That simple idea captures what public service should be about...
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Mayor Tom Wootton signs off the new cabinet in June 2026. Image Bedford Borough Council

Council in crisis as mayor “adjusts” cabinet following high-profile resignations

Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wootton (Conservative), has today (Tuesday) announced changes to his cabinet, following three high-profile resignations. He has reduced the...
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East West Rail (EWR) jacket

Mayor responds after councillors question East West Rail interest

Mayor Tom Wootton has explained his declared East West Rail pecuniary interest after councillors questioned his involvement in the project during a Bedford Borough Council debate...
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Third cabinet resignation sparks questions over mayor’s East West Rail interest

A third Bedford Borough cabinet resignation has intensified pressure on Mayor Tom Wootton, with Sarah Gallagher’s resignation letter raising concerns over East West Rail...
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Oasis Beach Pool is officially open. (l-r) General Manager, Ricky Whiting; Mayor Tom Wootton; Cllr Sarah Gallager; CEO Bedford Borough Council, Laura Church; CEO GLL, Peter Bundey. Image: Bedford Borough Council.

Councillor resigns over “unethical and corrupt behaviour” on Borough Council executive

Cllr Sarah Gallagher has resigned from Bedford Borough Council’s executive cabinet, saying she could no longer continue in an executive where she believed “unethical and corrupt..."
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Cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant represents Great Barford ward. Image: Bedford Borough Conservatives

Second senior councillor quits Mayor Wootton’s cabinet in days

Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant has resigned from Bedford Borough Council’s cabinet days after cllr Robert Rigby quit, increasing pressure on Mayor Tom Wootton...
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Mayor Tom Wootton standing along Bedfords Embankment with the town bridge in the background

Political pressure grows after senior councillor quits Mayor Wootton’s cabinet

Mayor Tom Wootton and opposition leaders have reacted after senior Conservative councillor Robert Rigby resigned from Bedford Borough Council’s cabinet. Senior councillors have traded blows...
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Cllr Robert Rigby. Image: Bedford Borough Conservatives

Respected senior councillor quits Mayor Wootton’s cabinet with immediate effect

Senior Conservative councillor Robert Rigby has resigned from Bedford Borough Council’s cabinet, citing concerns over Mayor Tom Wootton’s leadership. Cllr Rigby, who represents...
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Bedford Borough Hall Bedford Borough council signage and entrance

Bedford Borough faces twin challenge over improvement plans and adult social care failings

Councillors have raised concerns over Bedford Borough Council’s complex improvement plan governance as the authority also launches a response to its critical adult social care report...
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A volunteer supporting a resident in the kitchen of a care home. Image: PeopleImages/Shutterstock

CQC finds delays, safeguarding gaps and carers’ concerns in Bedford Borough Council’s adult social care

Bedford Borough Council’s adult social care services require improvement, with the CQC highlighting delays in assessments, safeguarding gaps and poor support for unpaid carers...
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