Dave Hodgson Selected as Liberal Democrat Candidate for Mayor of Bedford Borough

1.15.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Sep 2009

Dave Hodgson - the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Bedford Borough

Dave Hodgson has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Bedford.

As group leader, Dave led the Liberal Democrats to become the largest group on Bedford Borough Council in the recent elections. He was subsequently appointed Cabinet member for Partnerships and IT by Frank Branston, whose sudden death gave rise to the by-election for Mayor, which is expected to take place on 15th October.

Dave Hodgson said, "I am delighted to have been selected and I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet with people from across the Borough. I want to work alongside all of those who are, like me, committed to Bedford. We face enormous challenges such as the decaying town centre, the regeneration of the bus station area and the need for a quality transport system. It will require each and every one of us to work together if we are to succeed and bring about the changes that the Borough so desperately needs.'

"This is an important time for Bedford Borough Unitary Council in its first year. The recession is causing misery for many local people and the council must do all it can to help residents who are struggling to make ends meet. In the coming months we face key decisions which will impact upon our children's education and our environment for generations to come. I am in no doubt of the enormity of the tasks which lie ahead. However, local residents can be assured of my commitment and energy to leading the Borough forward.'

"Under my leadership Liberal Democrats have been working with the mayor on his cabinet. I continue to believe that the very best way forward is to use the brightest and best to realise our vision of a prosperous and progressive Bedford of which we can all be proud.'

"Whilst the other parties have not yet selected their candidates I am pleased to be spending my time out and about, knocking on doors in every ward across the Borough, and look forward to meeting with groups and individuals.'

"Bedford needs a Mayor to provide real leadership of the Council and to be a champion for Bedford - and that's what I offer the people of the Borough."

Dave has lived in Bedford for 30 years, he went to schools in Bedford and has lived in both the urban and rural areas of the Borough. He has had a varied career, working in IT, as a college lecturer and running his own business. He currently lives with his wife in Kingsbrook, in the south of Bedford, which he represents as Borough Councillor.