THE BATTLE 8FOR BEDFORD ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank Kasia Juraszek, former Liberal Democrat Researcher, for starting this booklet and Dean Crofts, current Liberal Democrat Researcher at , for finishing it. Thanks to Robin Thomas, the Mayor’s political assistant, who since 2009 has remembered the dates and events as they happened in the Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat-led administration. The Liberal Democrat Bedford Borough Group of Councillors reviewed this booklet before publication together with other members of the local party ensuring that facts and timeline are accurate. No election success is possible without a fantastic party agent, so thanks goes to Christine McHugh, who has been the local party agent for the Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats throughout Dave’s and the local party’s election successes. Christine also contributed to the accuracy of this booklet, helping the researchers get the correct facts, dates and timeline into order. The biggest ‘thank you’ goes to all of our volunteers and members who have helped Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats get elected. Every local party needs volunteers who keep delivering leaflets, stuffing envelopes, inputting data and knocking on doors. Without this help we would not have been able to achieve what we have. We hope this booklet inspires all of you to run for election, get involved in local and national campaigning and continue the Liberal Democrats’ journey to election success both locally and nationally.

2 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD FOREWORD

Over 20 years ago, as an aspiring Parliamentary candidate, I was sent to Bedford to learn more about campaigning. Under the tutelage of and Cheryl Green, the importance of target mail was driven home. So I’m delighted to be asked to write the foreword for this booklet about Bedford; Bedford Lib Dems are in my view an example of one of the party’s unsung heroes, achieving a great deal, even during the difficult Coalition years. Of course Liberal Democrats in Bedford won the Mayoral election in 2009 because they kept to the campaign play book – delivering, knocking on doors and being local champions. Yet with the determined leadership of Dave Hodgson, and an amazing hardworking team, they promised action, delivered action and told people about their action. You can read about how they did it here – and what’s happened since. It’s a hugely impressive example of putting Liberal Democracy into action. To celebrate their eight years in power, the Bedford team have put together eight handy lists of eight things – from reflections on what they’ve learnt, to their plans for the future. • 8 lessons learnt to win the Mayoral • 8 campaigning musts • 8 top achievements • 8 things still to deliver • 8 small things that we do that add up to a lot • 8 things we will always stand up for • 8 tips for making a good team • 8 social events you could hold for your members It takes me back to what I learnt 20 years ago in Bedford – campaigning never ends! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I have: be inspired to keep on campaigning.

Sir Edward Davey MP for Kingston and Surbiton

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 3 BEDFORD BOROUGH AT A GLANCE

Bedford Borough is a unitary local Bedford borough includes all or part of authority area, around 184 square three parliamentary constituencies: miles in area, located 59 miles north Bedford and Kempston: of London. It became a unitary Labour – Mohammed Yasin MP council in 2009, before which it was a district council. North East Bedfordshire: Conservative – Alistair Burt MP It is made up of two towns – Bedford and Kempston – and around 60 villages, Mid Bedfordshire: with 47 parish/town councils. The Conservative – Nadine Dorries MP. borough has strong transport links, with Since April 2009, Bedford Borough good access to the A1 and M1 and a Council has been a unitary authority, regular train service direct to the capital following the abolition of the – taking you into the heart of London in Conservative-run county council. The 35 minutes. council has been politically balanced for Bedford Borough has a population a long period, with no party having held of 168,750, with around two–thirds a majority in recent history. living in the towns, and the remaining The council is made up of 40 third in the surrounding villages. Just councillors, and the elected Mayor. over 17 per cent of the population is Elections are held on an ‘all-up’ aged over 65. The Office of National four-year cycle, and currently the Statistics (ONS) estimates that Bedford political balance is as follows: Borough’s population will increase to approximately 182,400 in 2023 (+ eight • Conservative – 15 per cent on 2016) but the population of older people is projected to increase • Labour – 14 at a much higher rate. • Liberal Democrat – 10 Around 29 per cent of the population (including the Elected Mayor) is from a black, Asian or minority • Independent – 2 ethnic community with up to 100 different ethnic groups living in the Dave Hodgson was first elected borough. Bedford is particularly to the Mayoralty in a by-election in known for its well–established Italian October 2009, following the death of community, as well as significant the previous, Independent incumbent. communities from India, Pakistan, 2015 was Dave’s second re-election, Bangladesh and Poland. achieving an increased vote and increased majority.

4 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD In 2015 Mayor Dave Hodgson invited the Labour Group to become part of his Executive and they hold four of the nine Portfolio Holder positions. He has had councillors of all parties on his Executive at various times since 2009.

Dave Hodgson shopping locally at Bedford’s thriving market

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 5 A BIT OF HISTORY...

Liberal Democrats have a strong Frank Branston became the first history in Bedford, having held seats directly-elected Mayor, with his party on Bedford Borough Council since ‘Better Bedford’ which at the time had the 1970s. Unlike the county which no councillors, although later some was consistently Conservative- were elected as Better Bedford. Soon controlled, the Borough Council after his election, a number of Tory has been ‘no overall control’ since councillors defected to Better Bedford 1986. The Liberal Democrats worked and for his time as Mayor the local with various coalitions at times Tory vote was split. Later two Liberal and at other times acted as an Democrat councillors defected, and opposition during this period. The their seats were won back at the next period even included a time where opportunity. the Conservatives had two parties The new Mayor invited all his election with some of them standing as opponents who were councillors to be Independents. part of his Cabinet, apart from Christine. In February 2002, a petition was This combined with our second place in submitted with signatures from the election gave us public recognition over five per cent of the electorate as the Opposition. for a referendum to be held about In 2007, we saw the second Mayoral introducing a directly-elected Mayor election in which Christine stood to Bedford Borough Council. As you’d again – coming third this time, within expect, we campaigned against, but we 180 votes of second place – but this were very much in the minority with election was most notable for the Frank Branston – the editor and owner abject failure of the electronic voting of a local newspaper – working with system that caused the count, which representatives of the other two main started on Thursday evening to drag on parties, including the Labour MP, to get until Saturday afternoon. the petition signatures required. But this third place didn’t feel like a October 2002 saw the first election for backwards step. We had become the new Mayoralty, and we of course established as the opposition in Bedford put up a candidate. Christine McHugh borough, and through strong local stood, and in a surprise result came action our local councillors and FOCUS second with 17 per cent of the vote, teams were well-known. with a lot of support from other areas of the party, in particular Liberal Youth. The pace started to pick up in 2008. A contingent of enthused local

6 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD Liberal Democrats, including newly Liberal Democrat priorities for Bedford. selected prospective parliamentary Frank Branston sadly passed away in candidate Henry Vann, went to Autumn August 2009, and a by-election was Conference keen to up our game and called for October 2009. grow the council group. After Conference, as part of Nick Winning the by-election Clegg’s Million Door Challenge, we held a ‘Canvass a Ward in a Day’ event on Thanks to our record of strong local Saturday 20 September. It culminated action, community politics and our well with a barbeque at the local councillor’s recognised Lib Dem Focus team brand, house. This was a lot of work, but a we hit the ground running for the 2009 huge success, canvassing around 3,000 mayoral by-election. houses in one day and really building This was in stark contrast to the other up steam in the run-up to the 2009 parties. The main opposition was the elections. This has been described Conservatives, who were divided and since by Dave as ‘the day I knew we held an open hustings to select their could become the biggest party on the candidate. Their choice of candidate council’ and that became our aim for led to further divisions as he was not the 2009 all-up elections, which were of long standing within the party, and the first for the borough council as a was not from the rural area where the unitary council. Conservative vote was and continues to be strongest. June 2009 – success At the start of the campaign, in addition We became the biggest group on to our fantastic local volunteers, we the council for the first time with the had help from nearby local parties in following councillors: Bedfordshire and from Milton Keynes, with Colin Ross, a campaigning stalwart Liberal Democrat – 12 throughout our many elections and Conservative – 9 by-elections, providing invaluable Labour – 7 support. Tea, sandwiches and cake Independent –7 were constantly available. Support expanded to receiving help from We joined the Mayor’s Executive, across the East of England region (who having worked with him on the shadow came with homemade cake) and a authority during the introduction of brilliant stake board team (Sal Brinton unitary status, and began to deliver and Tim Whittaker). Then President

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 7 It’s so close Delivered by volunteers at no cost to residents Winter 2011 North Bedfordshire in our area! FREE 1st preference votes, Oct 2009 Dave Hodgson Con

ord, MK42 0QJ 9428 9105 t 37 Kathie Road, Bedf Bedfordshire, Liberal Democrats both a behalf of North e McHugh on Ind bservererborough, PE1 5TD. Published and promoted by Christin 7631 OPrinted by Sharman & Co Ltd, Newark Road, Pet Bedford

Borough Labour finished 5th at comes out the last Mayoral Election with just 3482 votes on top! SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 3 Surprise candidate for local Tories he Conservatives have Tsurprised many local Mayor fights people by selecting a virtual unknown to be their Mayoral candidate in May. Their 2009 Mayoral candidate Parvez Akhtar was dropped in favour of John Guthrie who grew up in Luton and moved to Bedford three years ago. Mr Guthrie previously stood as a Parliamentary candidate in Leicester, but has little record for local jobs of action in Bedford Borough. of the party Ros Scott visited to Cllr Michael Headley said, “The Conservatives have several well known active local Dave Hodgson launches Councillors and campaigners here. It’s a big surprise that Buy in Bedford campaign they were passed over.” bit to help them thrive. Bedford’s next Mayoral ayor Dave Hodgson “Buying local also helps provide encouragement and join the election takes place on 5th May. Mis backing local sustain the unique businesses with a new character of our local campaign encouraging communities.” people to ‘Buy in A record of action Riverside Bedford.’ The campaign promotes Mayor Dave Hodgson’s local shopping across the rallying cry in support of retailers across Deliveredthe by volunteers at no cost to residents.revamp campaigning. Hywel Morgan came and Borough in order to boost local businesses and protect Borough is the latest in a jobs. series of initiatives to boost the local economy. Mayor Dave Hodgson FREE Summer 2009 said: “We have a wide range Since Dave Hodgson North Bedfordshire of excellent local retailers became Mayor in late 2009, we have seen real progress and suppliers in both the The Mayor discusses town on the crucial final section Bedford Borough urban and rural areas of our centre regeneration plans volunteered to set and print. In the last Borough. of the western bypass. Lib New investment has ayor Dave Hodgson is “The more we support pressing ahead withDems Councillors them, the more successful brought hundreds of new M jobs to the Borough. This exciting regeneration plans13 and attractive those Printed by Sharman & Co Ltd, Newark Road, Peterborough, PE1 5TD. Published and promoted by Dave Hodgson on behalf of North Bedfordshire, Liberal Democrats bothin atthe 37 Kathie town Road, Bedford,centre. MK42 0QJ businesses become. includes up to 300 new jobs bserver Tory O These include the demolition at a new bakery in Bedford “This helps protect and 300 jobs at a new of the unattractive 1950s Town 9 Lab existing jobs and create new Ind week or two we had help from across Sainsbury’s Distribution Hall office block. It will be ones, which is absolutely 7 Centre in Kempston. replaced by a new development 7 essential in these tough linking the town centre to the times.” Rural areas have been helped by the extension of river. The Mayor’s campaign is The number of councillors for each party rural business rate relief. This will draw people to the already proving popular Riverside and make Bedfordafter the elections on June 4th 2009. with local businesses and Mayor Dave Hodgson Buy local is the message even more attractive for residents. said, “I will continue to put creating jobs and helping from Mayor Dave Hodgson residents and visitors. the country, including MPs: Simon Cllr Anita Gerard said, local businesses at the heart “Our local shops are a big of the council’s work.” part of our communities and everyone can do their Hughes memorably getting lost in a village and almost missing his train back and Jo Swinson and Duncan Hames Delivered by volunteers at no cost to residents. Autumn 2006 It’s a Two Horse Race North BedfordshireCall for High Quality, Good Value Council FREE Services after Becoming Largest Party coming to do a good morning – thank Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called forChristine a new McHugh era of high quality, was second to Better good value local services after becoming the largestBedfordʼs party Frank on the new unitary Observercouncil in June’s local elections. The Lib DemsBranston won inthirteen the last seats, overhauling the Tories, who took nine, with LabourMayoral and Election. the Independents taking seven seats each. The result sawwww.bedfordlibdems.org the Lib Dems record a series of victories in urban and rural wards across the Borough as the party increased you all! its proportion of seats on the council.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Dave Hodgson said: "This result is thanks to a huge amount of hard work by many people who General Election helped to run a positive campaign for real improvements for Bedford Borough residents. The new unitary race opens up SAVEauthority OURfaces a massive task in Henry Vann, the local parliamentary “Residents deserve SAVEturning aroundOUR years of Tory misrule at campaigner said, “With the Liberal The national party helped by asking County Hall, during which council tax and have a right to Democrats winning the most council spiralled to the second highest county seats in Bedford & Kempston as council level in the country.' expect high quality, well as the Borough the General good value local Election race has really opened up’. "While the scale of the task facing the services from the “Gordon Brown has clearly lost the new authority is vast, it also provides a moral authority to govern. It’s time real opportunity. Residents deserve Council”. Shaun Roberts to set our main leaflets for him to go to the country for the and have a right to expect high quality, good value local services from the people to decide on a new Council. As the largest group on the council, we are committed to helping direction. In Bedford & bring this about. Liberal Democrat ward councillors also retain their total Kempston the Liberal commitment to working hard for local residents all year round, not just at Democrats will be HOSPITALelection time. We look forwa challenging Labour for first HOSPITALrd to the challenges ahead." place in the upcoming which as a result looked terrific. Nick INSIDE General Election.” Christine McHugh is Clegg came and did a town hall meeting demanding action to save Bedford Hospital River Valley Park – declared as an election expense – fromfrom thethe savagesavage cuts proposed. Delivered by volunteers at no cost to residents. although it didn’t give any exposure to When news first started to emerge Christine launched a petitionFREE which has already had a massive response. Thank you to everyone who has already signed No ColdNorth Calling Bedfordshire the petition. If you want to add your name you can sign the petition on page 4. our candidate. SPRING 2007 It’s a Two Horse Christine McHugh said “Of course itʼs North Beds Observer - Race Spring 2006 important that hospitals runO their finances soundly, but the provision of health bserver

services and the future of our hospital Christine McHugh was here in Bedford are more important than second to Better being forced to balance the books in one Bedford’s Frank Thousands sign Branston in the last year to satisfy government accountants. Mayoral Election. We even got support from a former We cannot stand by and see our local Recycling Cardboard Printed by Sharman & Co Ltd, Newark Road, Inside health services slashed.” Peterborough, PE1 5TD. Published and promoted by North Beds Observer - Dave Hodgson on behalf of North Bedfordshire Liberal Summer 2006 continuedHospital on page 4. Democrats both at 37 Kathie Road, Bedford,Petition MK42 0QJ local Tory councillor, who created a Rural bus cuts slammed lasting local favourite picture from that Vibrant Local Economy campaign, Dave in a field of sheep. Summer 2006 Zero Carbon It’s a Two Horse Race Growth Borough Inflation Busting Delivered by volunteersNorth at no cost Bedfordshire to residents. Despite having no member of staff and Nigel Aldis, Michael Headley, Christine Council Tax Rises www.bedfordlibdems.orgMcHugh and Roger Baines present the Council Tax for the Borough Council has increased by three times the rate of inflation FREE petition to the Government. Christine McHugh has delivered her “Save Bedford Hospital” petition to the Department of since Mayor Branston took office in 2002. Health. There were 4,000 signatures. Christine said “I want to thank everyone who has Borough Council Tax over the 5 budgets signed the petition. This is Christinea massive McHugh response. was However, this is just the start and the no office, the 2009 by-election was a overseen by Mayor Branston is up by 31%, bservercampaign continues. We secondare still collectingto Better Bedfordʼsmore signatures, which we will deliver as a second batch.” Frank Branston in the last whilst inflation for that time is just 10% . O Mayoral Election. “Later this year both the hospital itself and the For the first 4 out of the 5 budgets of this East of England Health Authority will release Mayoral term the rise exceeded inflation. the results of their reviews into theINISDE future of Only in this last budget does it creep in a few Bedford Hospital. It is crucial that residents decimal points below inflation. major success. Dave pulled ahead by have a genuine say in the futurePutting of our People First hospital and that we keep up the pressure now to save our hospital from even more savage cuts.” Bedford Hospital is seen as serving the Rises 31% second smallest population in the East of Borough over 300 votes in first preferences, and England and their review has already raised since Council Tax questions about the future of maternity services, Accident and Emergency and emergency surgery. Hospital faces 2002 To add your name to the continuing petition go to www.savebedfordhospital.org cuts in Bedfordfunding. Hospital for a petition sheet. then stretched ahead further with a final already be asked about- questions the future have of 10% or write in maternity services, Accident and Inflation Emergency and emergency surgery source: Consumer Price Index, Office of National Statistics Mar 2003/4/5/6 and Dec 06. Printed by Published andSharman promoted & by Co Dave Ltd, HodgsonNewark Road, on behalf Peterborough, of North Bedfordshire PE1 5TD. majority of over 2,000. Liberal Democrats both at 37 Kathie Road, Bedford, MK42 0QJ

Neglect of basic services

Highly valued summer playschemes have been saved after action from the Liberal PlayschemesDemocrats. The Council had proposed to slash the number of schemes for 5-13 year olds. After Lib Dems raised the issue at a Council meeting and then challenged the Tax on paying decision itself, the funding was reinstated to a similar level to last year. at Post Offices Saved Cllr Dave Hodgson said “These summer play and activity schemes are popular with children and parents alike over the long summer holidays. Christine Backs They give kids something constructive to do. This year the Council had originally decided to only Canal do 3 schemeshis in was Bedford down and from Kempston 10 urban and and 5 in20 villages. T Christine McHugh and rural locations a few years ago. The savings they the Liberal Democrat Success on councillors have called were to make were small compared with the sums on the Council to give the Council can always find for its grand projects, job target numbers stronger backing in its like refurbishing town hall offices.” Printed by Sharman & Co Ltd, Newark Road, Peterborough, PE1 5TD. Published and promoted by official plans for the Schemes will run 31 July to 25 August. The final Dave Hodgson on behalf of North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats both at 37 Kathie Road, Bedford, MK42 0QJ Bedford to Milton A canal coming into Bedford could boost locations for the schemes are still being Keynes Canal. leisure enjoyment and the economy. determined as we go to press, look out for more Christine said “The river details on www.bedford.gov.uk or contact the is already one of the Council on 221700 for information. greatest assets we have in the Borough. The canal project will open this up for even more tourists and enjoyment by local people. Potential backers need to know that the Council is right behind the project to give them confidence to invest in the project.”

Local issues

8 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 18 MONTHS TO PROVE OURSELVES: BUILD-UP TO THE 2011 ELECTION

Prior to 2009, Bedford had an independent Mayor for seven years, and the Liberal Democrats were best known as the voice of opposition in Bedford Borough Council. In addition, the next election was only 18 months away. This meant we had to make an impact quickly and our message was ‘Work Starts Here for Bedford’. We focused on showing Dave as the Mayor for Bedford Borough, rather than anything party political (a decision that served well when the Coalition Government happened), and what we were going to deliver for Bedford – a programme of tangible projects and successes. Nick Clegg came to Bedford to celebrate Dave’s victory, signing a pledge about money for our Bypass; New restaurant opening in Bedford a pledge we kept, making our town centre celebrations the start of our re-election campaign.

Then we simply worked flat out – Dave proving that a local council can deliver was only allowed out of the borough at a time of austerity cuts. five times in those 18 months. We rented an office, kept delivering and In essence our campaign strategy has won the by-election to retain Dave’s old always been the same – whatever it is seat. We worked as the administration you’re delivering for local residents, be to get things done. Michael Headley put it a fixed pothole or a brand new bus our first council budget together in just station, make sure you tell them about 84 days including Christmas and New it. Tell them as many times, and in as Year. We planned for new infrastructure wide a variety of styles of literature, as to benefit the residents of Bedford you can. such as a new bypass and a brand new bus station – while at the same time

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 9 ACHIEVEMENTS FOR BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

We knew we had to make an impact in that 18 months, and start delivering tangible projects, showing we could make a real difference on things that were important to local residents, as well as delivering on important Liberal Democrat priorities. In Dave’s first 100 days as Mayor, we made significant progress in a number of Liberal Democrat priorities such as green issues, town centre improvements, the local economy, transparency of the council and keeping our borough moving. The improvements we made were:

Green • we signed up to the national 10:10 Climate Change Campaign, and launched the Mayor’s Climate Change Fund to make grants to community Mayor Dave signing new bus station deal groups to support projects to help tackle climate change and save energy Local economy • we rolled out recycling litter bins • the council coordinated a project to in the town centre, and provided provide 200 new local jobs to help more recycling facilities for local unemployed young people communities. • work began on the first phase of the Church Lane Neighbourhood Centre Town Centre redevelopment. • we signed an agreement with Stagecoach to deliver investment to improve our town centre bus station • we gave support to our local retailers and shoppers with a week of free parking in December.

10 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD Transparency and opening hall, and crucially – they know that you are doing it. To make that happen you up the council need to get out, talk to people, deliver • we started to publish payments to FOCUS, hold surgeries; elections are suppliers over £1,000 online, and the not won by staying in the town hall. sale of the former County Council limousine went on eBay. Dave did a lot of work to get out and talk to voters across the borough, and particularly in the rural areas. In Keeping the borough May 2010, ‘Pints in the Parishes’ was moving started, and that summer saw the first • the council was widely praised for Mayoral Village Tour – we had held a its response to the ‘Big Freeze’ as it village tour before the 2007 election, worked to keep the borough moving as challengers; Dave held surgeries in through the coldest weather for 30 55 villages in 16 days and has done the years, and £200,000 was allocated Village Tour every year since, increasing from emergency funding to deal with the number of villages that he visits. damage to the road network. In the 2011 and 2015 elections all In addition, Dave’s first proposed Borough Council candidates recognized budget brought the council tax rise that re–electing a Liberal Democrat down from the projected 11.5 per cent Mayor was the top priority and worked to 2.3 per cent through a rigorous towards this. Having been in opposition efficiency programme which identified in a mayoral system for seven years, over £9 million of savings while councillors recognised the value of protecting frontline services. having a Liberal Democrat Mayor.

Campaigning We quickly learnt the key lesson – which applies in opposition too, but is easier to fall prey to when in administration – do not get stuck in the town hall, or Borough Hall in our case. The work and decisions made in the town hall are hugely important, but it is too easy to simply get stuck in that building. People will only vote for you if they like what you’re doing in the town

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 11 Coming into the 2011 election, we had 4. Create jobs of course gone into Coalition nationally We wanted a plan for Bedford with disastrous consequences for our to attract the best businesses to popularity. The Conservatives were the area and give residents more fighting hard to win the Mayoralty with choice, especially where they shop. national figures including the Prime We only had two supermarket Minister coming to Bedford. In addition, chains in the borough before 2011, boundary changes had a bad impact on with one chain having up to 11 our numbers. stores and we knew that there was potential to develop business parks, Pledges help small businesses and help residents find work. To win the election, we knew we had to promise something different from the 5. To get Bedford moving other parties against us. Bedford had been waiting for a western bypass for a long time. We went into the 2011 election with We gave a commitment to deliver six pledges from Dave: the final section of the Western 1. Regenerate Bedford town centre Bypass. This would include a new riverside 6. Resurface more roads development, a revitalized High and pavements Street, refurbishment of our The previous Conservative County council–owned car parks and a Council had neglected roads in redeveloped bus station area. Bedford borough prior to 2009. We 2. Invest in our children and wanted to fight back against years young people of neglect and provide the roads We wanted to invest in education that residents deserved. which would include investment With the boundary changes probably of £41million for new school going to impact our numbers and the classrooms and facilities. Conservatives fighting hard to win 3. Keep the council tax down the Mayoral election, we retained the and protect services Mayoralty increasing Dave’s overall We knew that savings could be majority, and kept 12 council seats made in Borough Hall, not out in while Labour and Conservatives both the community, even though at also won 12 council seats, with four this point austerity had started and going to the Independents. central government funding was starting to be reduced.

12 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD THE FIRST FULL TERM 2011 TO 2015

After Dave’s win in 2011 and the retention of the same council group size we went into this term in a strong position. Dave’s first Executive after the election in 2011 was cross-party, including the local Conservatives. But, this was short- lived when the Conservative Group didn’t vote for the Budget – refusing responsibility on the most important decision of the year – despite being involved throughout the process of it being written. Since that point, Dave’s Executive has been formed of Liberal Democrat, Labour and on occasion Independent councillors. The priority for the next four years was to make sure that we delivered on the pledges we had made. We needed to show that we could get projects moving in Bedford that had Redevelopment of Bedford town centre been stalled for decades. Allhallows car park And we did. • construction began on a new riverside Some of the things we delivered development, which would start to in Dave’s first full term as Mayor turn what had been the old Borough included: Council’s Town Hall and a car park into restaurants, a new public square Regeneration of and new foot and cycle bridge over Bedford Town Centre the river, alongside the return of town centre cinema to Bedford • Bedford’s much-needed and long- awaited brand new bus station, along • the Town Centre was regenerated with regeneration of the surrounding with improvements to Bedford High area including a 440-space council- Street, funded via the Heritage owned town centre car park Lotteries Townscape Heritage Fund.

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 13 Investing in our children of free meals for councillors before council meetings, and even little and young people things like getting rid of bottled water • we built a programme of maintaining in meetings all played their part. school places which resulted in opening a new school every year and invested in scrapping temporary Creating jobs classrooms with permanent • we invested to make sure Bedford buildings – an initiative that is ongoing residents got the most possible out of the limited Government’s superfast • continued, and still continue, to fund broadband scheme. the school improvement services in the council. • we started and continue to work with businesses and economic development experts to ensure that Keeping council tax down companies think of Bedford when and protecting frontline looking for new premises – creating services more jobs and opportunities for local residents. • we froze council tax for four years in a row while reducing the council’s budget in a time of austerity cuts Getting Bedford moving • • we kept, and are still one of the construction also began on the final councils that provide, a 100 per cent phase of the Western Bypass which council tax reduction scheme for had featured in local and national the poorest and most vulnerable plans for decades with construction households in Bedford continuing through the 2015 elections • • our plan to protect frontline services we retained and improved our bus included and has achieved zero timetables – particularly keeping rural closures of libraries, children’s centres bus services or leisure facilities • speeding was our number one issue • we continued to deliver weekly bin on the doorstep, so we became the collections first local authority to install average speed cameras • to meet the government funding reductions, we delivered massive • we introduced the Mayor’s two hour efficiencies within Borough Free Saturday Parking Deal in council- Hall, saving millions on senior owned town centre car parks management costs while getting rid • we improved cycling routes, around the town in particular.

14 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD Mayor Dave checking a road resurfacing project

Resurface more roads accountable to residents in allowing access to meetings and have the and pavements ability to ask questions, with no • we tackled years of roads neglect prior notice, to each individual with our own Pothole Hit Squad council member • we made sure that we allocated • we protected the petition scheme – monies towards road improvements requiring only 30 signatories for an in every year of our budget cycle. item to be discussed at full council Our pledges were worked on and added • we made meetings more accessible to. We looked at opening the council agreeing that meetings could be up and becoming more transparent, filmed and put online for public use improving the environment and keeping Bedford a fun place to visit. • we published payments to suppliers over £250 Openness and transparency • we introduced Dave’s regular surgeries, continued Pints in the • we made the council open and Parishes and the Village Tour during transparent in 2009; we wanted the summer months. to continue this and make it more

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 15 Environment Our local hospital, Bedford Hospital, has also been a hugely important • we set ourselves a Carbon Reduction issue since before the 2007 election, Target of 40 per cent from council during Dave’s time as Mayor and today. buildings The hospital has been under threat • Installed over 1,000 solar panels on of downgrade through multiple NHS buildings across the borough, through Reviews, and Dave had consistently both the Mayor’s Climate Change fought and campaigned to protect vital Fund and the Council’s RE:FIT project services here in Bedford. • we opened the Bedford Hydro Power Station on the River Great Ouse which Campaigning generates 130,000kWh per year As we all know, the national party’s • introduced the use of mechanical and popularity had taken a big hit by going biological treatment of our black bin into coalition, and by breaking the waste to reduce the amount going to tuition fees pledge. In Bedford we had landfill all–up council elections on the same day as the General Election in 2015 as • introduced a team of enforcement well as the Mayoral, so the election was officers to tackle ‘enviro–crimes’ such going to be doubly challenging. as littering, dog fouling and fly–tipping We had always focused on Dave as the • we managed a change programme Mayor of Bedford Borough first, who is a of restructuring the council’s Liberal Democrat, and that is a strategy management team with the aim of that continued to serve us well. delivering results to achieve savings targets and helping to reduce waste. Our strong platform of delivering on town centre regeneration, school buildings and placements, council tax, Leisure and culture frontline services, jobs, transport, the • any place needs leisure and culture environment, roads, leisure and being to flourish even while cuts are being open and transparent served us well for made, so we continued to support the upcoming elections in 2015. events such as the bi–annual River We made good use of a consistent Festival and annual Kite Festival message grid that focused on Dave • our vision was, and still is, to promote fighting for the borough, getting things Bedford as a town of events and done, and as the Mayor for Bedford somewhere people will come to Borough – standing up for local people. spend their leisure time beyond just the retail offer.

16 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD ‘Saving Bedford Hospital’ – our local campaign to protect health services

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 17 2015: 1 DAY POST-2015 5 ELECTIONS

Thursday 7 May 2015 in Bedford Becoming the largest party again borough saw five different votes: Since winning the Mayoralty, retaining • General election it has always been the first priority of • Mayoral election our campaigns in Bedford. However, that does not mean that we do not • Borough Council elections recognize the importance of a strong • Parish council elections council group. That is why our aim for (in some places) the 2019 election is to become the • Police and Crime Commissioner largest party on the council again. council tax referendum The importance of not just retrenching At that time, all three parliamentary in our safe wards cannot be overstated seats were Conservative and remained – if you don’t go out and campaign in so after the election. The Conservatives other wards you leave yourself wide were also the main opposition for open to other parties moving in to your the Mayoral election, although the wards. former editor of a local paper also One bright side of the EU Referendum stood – aiming to recreate the previous last year was the people it brought out. Mayor’s success – and came fourth Knowledgeable and enthusiastic people out of five candidates, beating only are crucial to any campaign, and we are UKIP. Dave went nearly 6,000 ahead seeing more and more people getting of the Conservative candidate in first out delivering, on the doorstep and preferences votes, and won with a taking roles in the local party. majority of nearly 9,000 votes. Conversations are happening with In contrast, our wards were a mix ward teams, making members aware of Tory and Labour facing. We put what they need to be doing to help candidates up in all seats across the the campaign and selections will be borough, but returned councillors only starting later this year. We have several where incumbents were restanding. enthusiastic new members who are This was partly an outcome of the rule creating teams in wards that we haven’t we all know – where if you don’t work; held before and in ones we haven’t held you don’t win – but also potentially a for a number of years – which is brilliant sign of how important incumbency to see. was in overcoming the national trend. We returned nine councillors, while the However, like all places that have all-up Tories and Labour returned 15 and 14 elections, we do suffer from a lack of respectively, with two Independents constant data collection. It is easy to remaining. think that canvassing isn’t high priority

18 THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD when the next election is three or four opponents, and so we are continuing years away – but we’ve now got less to campaign, working not only to return than 18 months to go. a Liberal Democrat Mayor in 2019, but also Liberal Democrat councillors as the Government cuts are the biggest largest group. challenge we face, both locally and nationally. We are continuing to work We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our on tangible, visible projects in the story so far – and that you will feel borough; our ongoing work includes encouraged to start, or continue, your the following: campaign. Good luck! • a town centre traffic decongestion project • creating jobs • refurbishing all of our care homes • changing our Bedford school system from three-tier (lower, middle, upper) to two-tier (primary, secondary) • defending our train services • campaigning to make sure that Bedford has the best local health services. However, it is a fact that simply keeping the council running, providing statutory services while continuing to try and protect frontline services and the vulnerable is a massive challenge. It is hugely important that the public understand the level of cuts we continue to face. Despite the extremely tough climate for local government, we believe we as Liberal Democrats can serve the people of the borough better than our

THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 19 LISTS OF 8 TO REFLECT 8 YEARS IN POWER

8 lessons learnt to win 8 top achievements: the Mayoral: 1. Retained 100 per cent council tax 1. Don’t get stuck in town, district reduction for the most vulnerable or county hall 2. Riverside Bedford entertainment 2. Work 365 days of the year complex 3. Deliver something tangible 3. New bus station 4. Tell people about it 4. Pothole Hit Squad 5. Always have the next plan ready 5. Removing all temporary school classrooms into permanent 6. Work as a team and support each buildings and changing to 2–tier other 6. New bypass for the town 7. Keep members engaged with briefings eg budget, local plan 7. Reducing carbon footprint by 43 per cent 8. Stick to your messaging with a message grid – even if you are sick 8. Protecting frontline services with of it, others will not be savings in Borough Hall

8 campaigning musts: 8 things still to deliver:

1. Have a literature timetable 1. Town decongestion project 2. Knock on doors 2. Marston Vale Business Park 3. Send regular emails and social 3. A successful housing company media posts 4. Making culture venues cost– 4. Use effective knock and drop effective for the council surveys 5. Retention of hospital & health 5. Hold a village (or similar) tour services – A&E, paediatrics and maternity in Bedford 6. Use a message grid 6. Infrastructure including new railway 7. Make ward surgeries regular and stations and retention of train timetabled services 8. Don’t stay in your own wards 7. Continue Economic Growth and bring new companies to Bedford 8. Balanced budget in the face of continuing government austerity cuts 20 THE BATTLE FOR8 BEDFORD 8 small things we do that 8 tips for making a add up to a lot: good team:

1. Town centre flower planting 1. Regular meetings 2. River Festival – every two years 2. Support volunteers to get involved 3. Open and keep park cafes in the way they want 4. Enable a Park Run – to improve 3. Thank You parties, free and no fitness levels raffle 5. Hold a town Christmas firework 4. Portfolio Holders and Mayor display availability to members 6. Introduce enforcement officers for 5. Action days, throughout the four littering year cycle 7. Introduce and expand Average 6. Social events Speed Cameras for safety 7. Regular communications 8. Introduce free car parking (two peg email and posted updates hours every Saturday) 8. Always thank volunteers

8 things that we will 8 social events you could always stand up for: hold for your members:

1. Protecting the vulnerable 1. Quiz nights 2. Looked after children 1. Thank you parties 3. Care for the elderly 2. Mince pie and mulled wine event 4. Creating jobs 3. Wine tasting evening 5. Looking after the environment 4. Industrial visits eg Chilli Farms 6. Health services and the local 5. Town guided walks hospital 6. Members policy events 7. Train services 7. Annual dinner with guest speakers 8. Schools and improving education 8THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 21 22 THE BATTLE FOR8 BEDFORD 8THE BATTLE FOR BEDFORD 23 Published by the Liberal Democrat Group at: Local Government Association 18 Smith Square London SW1P 3HZ www.libdemgroup.lga.gov.uk

REF 6.62 February 2018