Lib Dems Join Cabinet to 'Make a Real Difference'

1.34.32pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Jun 2009

Bedford Borough Lib Dems have joined the Cabinet to 'make a real difference'

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Cllrs Dave Hodgson and Charles Royden have taken up the Partnerships and IT and Environment portfolios respectively after the Lib Dems reached a deal with the Mayor which will enable them to make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of local residents and start delivering the high levels of service that residents deserve.

Commenting, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Dave Hodgson said "We have not joined the Cabinet to make up the numbers, we have done so to make a real difference. Before making an agreement to join, we had to be sure that the terms were correct, and that we would be able to bring about real improvements for local residents by being on the Cabinet. The agreement we have reached with the Mayor is the result of careful negotiations based on a number of key policy priorities where action is needed by the council. We look forward to pursuing, and delivering, these on the Cabinet.'

"The Liberal Democrat Group has been in discussions with the Mayor several times in past years over the possibility of joining the Cabinet, but an acceptable agreement has simply never been reached between us. I am pleased that we have found enough common ground and that we, as the largest group on the Council, can get on with making real changes and working to help the council take the opportunity provided by the new unitary authority."