Chair - Councillor Gareth Mackey
On Thursday 25 May 2023, Councillor Gareth Mackey was appointed as Chair of Central Bedfordshire Council.
Councillor Mackey represents Flitwick and has been an Independent Member of the Council since May 2019. Councillor Mackey was first elected to Flitwick Town Council in 2011 and has been the town’s mayor three times.
Since March 2022, Councillor Mackey has also served on the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel.
As well as presiding over Full Council meetings Councillor Mackey will represent the Council on civic visits, at ceremonial events, and will raise funds and awareness for his chosen charities.
The Chair’s role
The Chair is elected by the Council.
He/she chairs the full Council meetings, interprets the Council’s Constitution and ensures the business of the Council is conducted efficiently and effectively, enabling all councillors’ equal opportunities to speak and to question the Executive Members and those who hold Committee chairmanships. He/she also promotes public involvement in the Council’s activities.
On the civic/ceremonial side of the role, he/she attends civic and ceremonial events representing the council and promoting and explaining the Council’s work. The Chairman is an ambassador for the Council.
Contact the Chairman
Telephone: 0300 300 8562
Email: gareth.mackey@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
2025 engagements
Sunday,13 April at 3pm
The Chairman and Vice Chairman attended Sandy Town Mayor’s Civic Service held at St Swithun’s Church, High Street, Sandy.
Sunday, 6 April at 3pm
The Vice Chairman attended Houghton Regis Town Mayor’s Civic Service at All Saints Parish Church, Houghton Regis.
Saturday, 29 March 2025 at 12pm
The Chairman attended the Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre Official Opening.
Sunday, 16 March at 3pm
The Chairman will attend the Mayor of Biggleswade’s Civic Service being held at St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswade. SG18 0AT
The Vice Chairman will attend the Leighton-Linslade Town Mayor’s Civic Service being held in All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard. LU7 1AE
Sunday, 9 March
10.30am: The Vice Chairman will attend the Day of Reflection 2025 being held in All Saints Parish Church, Houghton Regis
3pm: The Vice Chairman will attend Amptill Town Council Civic Service being held in St. Andrews Church, Ampthill. MK45 2EW
Sunday, 2 March at 3pm
The Chairman will attend the Dunstable Town Mayor’s Civic Service being held in The Priory Church, Dunstable LU6 3SF.
2024 engagements
Sunday, 17 November at 3pm
The Vice Chairman will attend the Lord Lieutenant’s Service of Remembrance being held at St. Paul’s Church, Bedford. The service has been organised by the Road Victims Trust (RVT) in memory of all those who have lost their lives in collisions within Bedfordshire and this day marks the World Day of Remembrance for all persons killed on the roads globally.
Sunday, 10 November at 10am
The Chairman accompanied by the Chief Executive will attend the Remembrance Day Parade, Service and wreath laying being held in Dunstable.
The Vice Chairman will attend the Remembrance Service and wreath laying being held in Houghton Regis.
Wreaths will be laid in many Towns and Parishes across Central Bedfordshire by CBC Councillors.
Thursday, 27 June at 4pm
The Vice Chairman will attend and take part in “The Occasional Orchestra” at Henlow CE Academy. The event offers students an opportunity to participate in a large ensemble and to develop their musicianship skills alongside other instrumentalists from a wide range of age and ability.
6pm until 6:30pm: Concert for parents and friends
Wednesday, 12 June at 7:30pm
The Chairman will attend the Bedfordshire County Scout Council’s AGM being held at The Lode, Leslie Sell Activity Centre, Molivers Lane, Bromham MK43 8LD.
Sunday, 9 June at 2:45pm
The Chairman will attend HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire’s Service of Thanksgiving being held at The Priory Church of St. Peter, Church Street, Dunstable, LU5 4RU.
Thursday, 6 June at 5:30pm
5:30pm – 7:30pm The Vice Chairman will attend the Luton and Bedfordshire 15th Community Awards launch event at Venue Central, Leagrave Road, Luton LU3 1RJ.
Thursday, 23 May 2024 at 5:30pm
The Chairman will attend the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire’s Deputy Lieutenancy Commissioning Ceremony being held at The Grange Room, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR.
Sunday, 28 April 2024 at 2:30pm
The Vice Chairman will attend the Dunstable and District Scout Council’s St. George’s Day Parade and Service. The service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Street, Dunstable.
Saturday, 27 April 2024 at 7pm
The Chairman will attend Flitwick Town Mayor’s Civic Reception being held at The Rufus Centre, Steppingly Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH.
Tuesday, 23 April 2024 at 11:45am
The Chairman will attend the official opening of Millfield Green, Stanhope Way, Caddington, Luton, LU1 4GP. The Chairman will attend the unveiling of the commemorative plaque along with residents, local dignitaries and very special guest, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh. The event will be followed by a light lunch at 1:30pm
Sunday, 14 April 2024 at 3pm
The Chairman will attend the Mayor of Houghton Regis, Councillor Caroll’s Civic Service being held at All Saints Parish Church, High Street, Houghton Regis. Afternoon tea will follow the Service at All Saints View, Houghton Regis.
Tuesday, 26 March at 2pm
The Vice Chairman will attend HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire's Honours Recipients Gathering and Presentation Ceremony at Mitchell Hall, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL.