Mayors Column: Why Bedford Borough’s events showcase the best of our community Friday, 3 July, 2026 For almost 50 years the River Festival has been an iconic attraction that has been woven into the very fabric of our community – attracting visitors borough wide and beyond it is a showcase of our heritage, history, incredible community, fantastic independent shops and more. As your Mayor, it is an honour for the second time to work with everyone from Councill officers to volunteers and other... Opinions
Bedford Borough Council Approves Mayor’s Budget 19th February 2026 Bedford Borough Council has approved Mayor Tom Wootton’s 2026/27 budget that protects frontline services and provides much needed stability at a critical time... Local News
Bedford Council services at serious risk after Lib Dems torpedo budget 5th February 2026 Bedford Borough’s Conservative Councillors and Mayor Tom Wootton have expressed deep disappointment after the Council’s proposed 2026/27 budget was voted down... Local News
Facing the facts and fixing the finances 3rd February 2026 I am often asked what it is like being a Mayor after spending my whole working life as a farmer. The reality is simple: on a farm, when a job needs doing, you... Local News
Mayor Tom Wootton renews action to end “double taxation” for Kempston West and Great Denham residents 27th January 2026 Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton has reaffirmed the Council’s decision to remove the Open Space Management (OSM) charge for households in Kempston West and Great... Local News
Mayor sets out Bedford Borough Council’s Budget focused on stability and long-term responsibility 20th January 2026 The Mayor of Bedford has today set out the priorities behind Bedford Borough Council’s proposed budget, as papers have been published ahead of the next... Local News
Cllr Sharan Sira protests nearly 2000 Arce East Park Energy’s Solar Farm Blighting North Bedfordshire Countryside 15th January 2026 During last night’s Full Council (14th January), Conservative Councillor for Wyboston Ward Councillor Sharan Sira’s presented a motion opposing the East Park... Local News
Mayor Secures Landmark Development for Bedford River Valley Park 21st November 2025 Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton has secured a truly game changing development that will bring new homes, leisure facilities, and a regional-scale water sports... Local News
Bedford Council Votes to Ditch Failed Local Plan and Start Afresh 9th October 2025 Mayor Tom and his Executive have secured cross party support from Borough Councillors to scrap the failed Local Plan 2040 and begin work immediately on a brand... Local News
Mayor takes difficult but responsible decision to protect Council finances 7th October 2025 Bedford Borough Mayor Tom Wootton has taken the difficult but responsible decision to temporarily suspend the 4-hour free parking scheme at Allhallows and Lurke... Local News
Conservatives Launch Tax Free Reservists Scheme 14th July 2026 Our ambition is clear: to grow Britain's Armed Forces Reserves to 50,000, strengthening our security National News
Kemi responds to Nigel Farage's "resignation" 7th July 2026 Farage is feeling the pressure from his investigation and has now called a by election. National News
Kemi calls for MP's to focus on Defence 6th July 2026 Only the Conservatives have a clear plan to rebuild Britain’s defences. National News
Kemi's challenge to Andy Burnham 29th June 2026 We cannot let Labour make the same mistakes again. National News
Keir Starmer Resigns 22nd June 2026 The pressure has been building for weeks, and now finally Starmer has done the right thing. National News
Conservatives score major victory in Aberdeen South by election 19th June 2026 The people of Aberdeen sent a message on behalf of the country. Energy security is national security. National News
