Conservative Mayor Tom is pleased to officially welcome back Councillor Jim Weir as he returns to his role as Deputy Mayor following a period of recovery from a major surgery.

He has now resumed duties and will remain an integral part of the Cabinet with a renewed focus on external relations and strategic development.

As part of these changes, Deputy Mayor Weir will be stepping down from his role as Portfolio Holder for Finance following the Full Council meeting on 2nd July 2025. He will now lead on:

• External Relations & Business Partnerships, including:
  • England’s Economic Heartland (EEH)
  • South Midlands Authorities Board (SMAB) – Co Chair
  • South Midlands Business Board (SMBB) – SMA Lead
  • Devolution Discussions – reporting back to members
• Human Resources
• Information Technology Systems

Councillor Marc Frost will formally take on the full responsibilities of the Finance portfolio, including Corporate Services, Transformation, Procurement and Performance.

Mayor for Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton commented,

“It’s fantastic to welcome Deputy Mayor Weir back to the Council.

 His experience, energy and leadership have been deeply missed, and we’re all delighted to see him return and ready to continue serving the people of Bedford.”

Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Jim Weir commented,

“I’m incredibly grateful for the outstanding care during my operation and to my colleagues who stepped up during my absence.

Although I’ve returned to serve our residents, I’ve made the decision to hand over the finance brief to Cllr Frost so I can fully focus on leading the borough through my new responsibilities.”

 

Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Services, Councillor Marc Frost commented,

“Jim has done an outstanding job steering the Council through challenging times, and I’m committed to continuing that work with a focus on financial responsibility, transparency, and delivering real value for Bedford residents.”

 

Updated cabinet:

• Mayor Tom Wootton – Elected Mayor, covering Democratic Services, Asset Management and Rural Communities.
• Councillor Jim Wier – Deputy Mayor Cllr covering External Relations & Business Partnerships, HR, IT Systems
• Councillor Marc Frost – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Services (Transformation, Procurement and Performance)
• Councillor Sarah Gallagher – Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture)
• Councillor Andrea Spice – Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity (inc. Town Centres)
• Councillor Nicola Gribble – Portfolio Holder for Environment
• Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant – Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services
• Councillor Martin Towler – Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities: Health and Wellbeing
• Councillor Robert Rigby – Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Adults Services
• Councillor Jane Walker – Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services