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9 November 2026
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Mayor Tom Wootton

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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Bedford Borough Council political parties collage

Bedford Ian writes…

16 October 2026: Shape up or ship out, Happy hedgehog, and Insightfully inciting. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings-on across Bedford Borough...
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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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Mayor Tom Wootton along with Page Thompson, President, New Ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences and John McReynolds, SVP External Affairs. Image: Owen Billcliffe/owenbillcliffe.co.uk

Bedford Borough Council launches development forum to support economic growth and investment

Bedford Borough Council is spearheading a new development forum designed to attract investment and connect local businesses to major regional infrastructure...
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Madad_Store_Photo Image Madad UK

Monthly column: From a £1 bargain to a £50 lifeline – Madad’s Bedford homecoming

Madad began life in Bedford in 1981 as the Hira Islamic Centre. Local Muslims established the charity to create a place of worship. After its founder, Imam Irshad Ali, died in 2020...
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Cllr Henry Vann pictured pointing to a public notice sign on a public toilet in Bedford Park. Image Bedford Liberal Democrat Group

Monthly column: Mayor has left Bedford with nowhere to go

Sometimes the biggest issues in local government are the simplest. If you take your children to the park, walk the dog, go for a run, or spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors, you should...
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SEND child in a wheelchair being shown and enjoying playing with colourful building tiles and toys. Image: AnnGaysorn/Shutterstock

Monthly column: Managing pressures and planning for Bedford’s future

In recent months, Bedford Borough Council has operated in an environment that is challenging for councils across the country. Demand for essential services such as...
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Grant Palmer and Stagecoach bus at Bedford Bus Station. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Opposition councillors claim victory as axed Bedford bus routes restored

Bedford's opposition councillors are claiming a victory after the council's Executive Committee report says it will reinstate funding for axed bus routes. After bus-users in Goldington...
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