Boring Bedfordshire! A total relief from the rest of the county with all its turbulence and a case study where the three main parties each run an authority.

 

Bedfordshire was reformed a few years ago and consists of three Unitary Authorities and really is a County that is “open for business”.

 

Bedford – dominated by the LibDem’s and directly elected “Mayor Dave” Hodgson who is Mr Bedford and probably one of the best examples of a directly elected mayor doing what directly elected mayors should do. And long may he continue to do so! 

 

Central Beds is run by a fantastic Tory administration with some of the most switched-on Councillors you would ever have the privilege of working with. This is also a very ambitious Council where they are trying to increase their Council housing stock from c.a.4,5k to 10k by 2030. Yes, this is a Tory Council that is embracing development and inward investment and building Council homes. And I sincerely hope the voters in Central Beds reward their local Tory Councillors with the support they deserve. These are good guys and frankly, if they were in Westminster, things would go a lot better! 

 

Luton, firmly under Labour control and a city that is ever evolving and changing. Once upon a time, Luton was treated as a bit of an overflow for London housing shortage (many councils would send residents they couldn’t house up to Luton) but there is a strong and cohesive community there now and it’s building a unique identity. This is largely due to the Labour administration that reflects their population and draw the community together. 

 

  1. Bedford – NOC/Lib Dem Mayor – NOC/Lib Dem Mayor HOLD
    • Unitary authority
    • Full council up for election
    • Bedford has a directly elected Mayor and has been held by the Lib Dems since 2009. We’re predicting that in this election the Lib Dems will remain the largest group on the Council but not achieve a majority. We’re expect the agreement between Lib Dems, Greens and Labour to continue.
  2. Central Bedfordshire – Con – Con HOLD
    • Unitary authority
    • Full council up for election
    • We’re predicting that the Conservatives will hold onto their majority in Central Bedfordshire, but it will be a reduced majority.
  3. Luton – Labour – Labour HOLD
    • Unitary authority
    • Full council up for election
    • Labour hold a strong majority, we’re predicting this to be maintained or increased this year.