Review of 2011: Local Elections in May

In the second of our reviews of key stories in 2011 we look to the May election which could have meant all change at the top but gave an unexpected result for national eyes watchingBedford's results:

The local elections in May proved particularly difficult for manyLiberal Democratsacross the country but yet again Bedford Borough bucked the trend.

With a net loss of one Councillor and the re-election of Mayor Dave Hodgson Bedford Borough really did do something different, but why?

Commenting immediately after the election, Dave said, "I am honoured to be able to continue to serve residents as Mayor of Bedford Borough. Since I was first elected as Mayor we have worked together with everyone who has the Borough's interests at heart to deliver real improvements for our communities, and I stood on our record of keeping Council tax down and protecting crucial services, even in these tough times. I am immensely grateful to be given the opportunity to serve a full term, during which an extremely difficult financial climate will make it all the more important that we work together to make the right decisions for the future of our Borough."

This no nonsense attitude obviously paid off as Dave not only won the election but increased his majority.

And the first thing Dave did on getting elected- he invited all parties to join him on the Executive and work together in these difficult times. Throughout this year Liberal Democrat, Labour, Conservative and Independent Councillors have been working with the Mayor to put next years budget together. This will be published early in the new year but once again has gone through major public consultation.