The 2023 Bedford Borough Council election took place on 4 May 2023, electing members of Bedford Borough Council in Bedfordshire, England. An election for the borough's directly-elected mayor took place at the same time. This was the same day as other local elections.
The whole council was up for election on new ward boundaries. The total number of seats increased by 6, from 40 to 46. Issues being debated by the candidates included the route of East West Rail through the town, with Government confirmation on the route still awaited at the time of the election.
The council remained under no overall control after the election. The Conservative candidate, Tom Wootton, won the mayoralty, defeating the Liberal Democrat incumbent, Dave Hodgson, who had held the post since 2009.
Summary
Election result
Ward results Official results were published by Bedford Borough Council as the count progressed.
They were also reported live by the Bedford Independent and also reported by the Bedford Times and Citizen newspaper, initially through its website.
The Statement of Persons Nominated, which details the candidates standing in each ward, was released by Bedford Borough Council following the close of nominations on 5 April 2023.
Biddenham
Brickhill
Bromham
Castle and Newnham
Cauldwell
Clapham and Oakley
De Parys
Goldington
Great Barford
Great Denham
Greyfriars
Harpur
Harrold
Kempston Central and East
Kempston North
Kempston South
Kempston West
Kingsbrook
Putnoe
Queens Park
Renhold and Ravensden
Riseley
Riverfield
Sharnbrook
Shortstown
Wixams and Wilstead
Wootton and Kempston Rural
Wyboston
Changes 2023–2027
June 2025: Caroline White, elected as a Labour councillor for the ward of Kempston East and Central, left the party to sit as an independent. In November 2025, White joined the Green Party and became their fourth councillor.
Wyboston (29 June 2023)
The by-election was held because Tom Wootton, elected as a councillor for Wyboston at the ordinary election, was also elected Mayor of Bedford.
In November 2023, Mohammed Mahboob Din, elected as a Labour councillor, left the party to sit as an independent.
Riverfield
The Riverfield by-election was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Billy Thompson.
Wyboston (4 July 2024)
The by-election was triggered by the previous councillor, Julie Cox, leaving office because of ill health.
References