Mayor Dave Hodgson Announces New Cabinet Following Re-election for Fourth Term
Following his recent re-election for a fourth term, Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced his new Cabinet. The new Bedford Borough Council Executive features one Independent and three Labour members in addition to 4 Liberal Democrat Councillors, reflecting the Liberal Democrats' increased strength in becoming the largest group on the Council following their six gains in the May 2nd Council elections.
Following the changes, Mayor Dave's Cabinet represents groups comprising over two-thirds of the seats won across Bedford Borough in the Council elections.
All of the members of the new Executive have a track record as Councillors, with Mayor Dave intent on hitting the ground running in tackling the key issues for Bedford Borough, including maintaining the Council's remarkable record of saving services in the face of ongoing government funding cuts.
The new Members on the Cabinet include previous Liberal Democrat Group Leader and former Adult Services Committee Chair Cllr Wendy Rider, who takes up the post of Executive Member for Adult Services.
Joining his Labour colleagues Cllrs Colleen Atkins and Louise Jackson on the Cabinet is Cllr James Valentine, who has been appointed as Executive Member for Education and Children's Services.
There is also a return to the Cabinet for Independent Cllr Doug McMurdo, as Executive Member for Leisure and Culture.
Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "I am delighted to announce this incredibly strong team to help take the Council forwards. I want to thank all of the outgoing Cabinet Members, each of whom made a huge contribution to our record of saving services in the face of brutal government funding cuts and getting the best for all communities across Bedford Borough.'
"The new administration has the right mix of talent, continuity and experience to enable us to face the challenges ahead and keep saving services, creating jobs and protecting our environment."
In addition to the new and returning members of the Cabinet, other changes include
- Cllr Henry Vann taking on a new portfolio as Executive Member for Town Centres and Planning
- Cllr Colleen Atkins taking on responsibility for housing matters as Executive Member for Community Safety, Housing and Regulatory Services
- An expansion of Cllr Louise Jackson's role, with her Public Health brief extended to include a broader health and wellbeing remit.
The composition of the new Bedford Borough Council Executive is as follows:
- Mayor Dave Hodgson (Lib Dem): Mayor and Executive Member for Economic Development, Rural Affairs and Partnerships
- Cllr Charles Royden (Lib Dem): Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Environment and Transport
- Cllr Colleen Atkins (Lab): Executive Member for Community Safety, Housing and Regulatory Services
- Cllr Michael Headley (Lib Dem): Executive Member for Finance
- Cllr Louise Jackson (Lab): Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing
- Cllr Doug McMurdo (Ind): Executive Member for Leisure and Culture
- Cllr Wendy Rider (Lib Dem): Executive Member for Adult Services
- Cllr James Valentine (Lab): Executive Member for Education and Children's Services.
- Cllr Henry Vann (Lib Dem): Executive Member for Town Centres and Planning
The appointment of Cllr McMurdo will take effect from Thursday 16th May, following the end of his term as Speaker.