Political control
Councillor Adam Zerny was elected as the new Leader of Central Bedfordshire at the first full Council meeting since the local elections on 4 May. This was held on Thursday, 25 May 2023. You can view a full webcast of this meeting.
The membership of the Executive and designation of responsibilities are determined by the Leader of the Council, and are as follows:
- Councillor Hayley Whitaker is Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Families, Education and Children
- Councillor Mary Walsh is Executive Member for Planning and Development
- Councillor Simon Ford is Executive Member for Highways and Waste
- Councillor Tracey Wye is Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience
- Councillor Steven Watkins Executive Member for Business, Housing and Public Assets
- Councillor Mark Smith is Executive Member for Adult Social Care
- Councillor John Baker is Executive Member for Finance
- Councillor Rebecca Hares is Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison and Councillor Gareth Mackey is Deputy Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison
During the meeting it was also confirmed that Councillor Richard Wenham continues as leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Shaun Roberts would lead the Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Matthew Brennan would be the leader of the Labour group on the Council.
Elections - 4 May 2023
Voters across Central Bedfordshire elected a new Council made up of:
- 27 Independent councillors
- 20 Conservative councillors
- 10 Liberal Democrat councillors
- 5 Labour councillors
- one Green Party councillor
The previous administration was made up of 38 Conservatives (with one vacancy), 16 Independent councillors, three Liberal Democrats and one Labour councillor, so today’s (5 May) result means that no group has overall control of the Council.
The declaration of results at Central Bedfordshire Council’s headquarters in Priory House, Chicksands, followed an election which saw 240 candidates standing for 63 seats across the 31 wards.