Cllr Sarah Gallagher was first elected in 2009 to represent Eastcotts Ward, she was re-selected as the Councillor for the new Shortstown Ward following boundary changes. 

Since being elected Sarah has had several roles on the council, previously being the Chair of Licensing and member of Children’s Scrutiny Committee. Sarah has been the lead member of Community Regulatory Services from 2011-2015 and lead member of Leisure and Culture 2015-2019.

Sarah grew up in Cople and moved to Shortstown in 1996.

In 2000 she became an Eastcotts Parish Councillor and in 2011 became Vice Chair, in 2019 Eastcotts Parish Council ceased to exist to form two separate Parish Councils Shortstown and Cotton End. Sarah has previously served as chair of Shortstown Parish Council.

Sarah is actively involved in most community groups. Including being a Governor of Cotton End Forest School.

After the 2023 elections, Sarah retook her position as Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience. She currently sits on the Licensing Committee, Appointments Committee, Climate Change Committee, Executive, General Licensing Committee, General Licensing Sub-Committee, Trustees of the Bedford Park Charity, Trustees of the Mayor of Bedford's Charity.