Councillor Jake Sampson to stand down at the May Elections

Councillor Jake Sampson has decided not to stand again as candidate at the local elections in May. When elected in 2019, Councillor Sampson was the youngest ever elected councillor to Bedford Borough Council representing Newnham Ward. In the run up to the 4th May Local Elections, Councillor Sampson will be putting his support behind his fellow ward councillor Councillor Hilde Hendrickx, the new Liberal Democrat candidates for Castle Newnham, Tom Pattinson, and Riverfield, Billy Thompson, as well as the whole Liberal Democrat team.

Councillor Sampson said "It has been a privilege to represent the residents of Newnham Ward over the last 4 years; contributing to the local communities and neighbourhoods, whilst representing their interests in Bedford Borough Council. It has been wonderful to have been part of a council and community which has helped support so many people in a number of ways.

"For a young man who has lived his whole life in Newnham, I don't think I will have a better job than this. I also have to give thanks to my co-councillor and friend Hilde Hendrickx who has been a fantastic person to work with. I have learnt a lot, gained experiences I won't forget and helped people in my community thanks to the local party and Mayor Dave Hodgson. And I know that Tom Pattinson in the new Castle Newnham Ward and Billy Thompson in the new Riverfield Ward will be great champions of our local area!"

Councillor Sampson, who was appointed Chair of Licensing Committee last year, has been a strong voice for local residents as well as the Borough's newest residents. He has made several contributions to Full Council highlighting the importance of supporting refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine. Following the May Elections, Councillor Sampson plans to go travelling first heading to Australia and then to South East Asia.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Councillor Sampson has been a fantastic asset to the Council and to our group. He has worked hard for Newnham residents, including tackling speeding, improving accessibility and planting trees and bulbs. He will be missed!"

Councillor Hilde Hendrickx said "It has been an absolute pleasure working with Jake as councillors for Newnham Ward. Jake's engagement in local politics is anchored in strong values: equality, supporting the most vulnerable in society, a sense of community and care for our planet. In his friendly and approachable way, Jake has always worked hard for Newnham residents, sorting out issues big and small. Our Lib Dem group will miss him and the fresh ideas he brings but we are excited about all the great adventures that await him. First stop: Australia!"