The Harpur Suite in Bedford town centre was bustling on Tuesday evening. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP held one of his 'town hall' meetings. I chaired the event and it was interesting both to hear what Nick had to say, but also the questions and points of view from the public. Nick tackled every question asked of him directly, with no spin or evasion.
Later on Sunday, I visited the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara in Bedford Road, Kempston. Accompanied by my wife, Christine McHugh and Councillor Mark Fitzpatrick we were made most welcome. If elected as Mayor I will keep in close contact with members of the Sikh community as well as other faith groups.
Visiting the Wells and Young Brewery in Queens Park brought back memories of the time I had a summer job at the brewery. Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP and I met with vice-Chair Mr Tom Wells and Finance Director Mr Justin Fillimore. We discussed issues affecting the industry before touring the brewery. Vince said that it was very useful to hear the views of Bedford's largest private employer.
On Wednesday evening Wootton Upper School hosted a debate attended by all the candidates. My main message was that I want Bedford Borough to be a great place to live work and do business.
Liberal Democrat Dave Hodgson has been elected the new Mayor of Bedford at the Bedford Corn Exchange. Lib Dem Dave led the vote by just over 300 votes at the end of the 1st preference votes, and when second preference votes were redistributed, extended his majority to just over 2,000 votes over the Conservative candidate.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has reversed Council proposals, submitted back in 2008, for housing and commercial developments on a range of green spaces across Bedford Borough. The move means that important green spaces including the Bedford Athletic Rugby Ground on Wentworth Drive, Mile Road Allotments, Berry Farm in Wootton and Jackman's Farm in Brickhill have been saved from development.
