Opposition councillors in Bedford have criticised Mayor Tom Wootton for endorsing a six-authority South Midlands devolution proposal without consulting the borough council. In a letter to Local Government Minister Jim McMahon, leaders from the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green parties, and an independent councillor expressed support for a smaller devolution arrangement involving Bedford borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK), arguing it better serves local interests.
Mayor Wootton advocates the larger South Midlands proposal, which includes North and West Northamptonshire, citing a government population benchmark favouring the wider region and highlighting economic links beyond Bedfordshire. North Bedfordshire Conservative MP Richard Fuller supports the mayor's position, suggesting the BLMK area would be too small to compete regionally. Luton Borough Council noted the government considers BLMK the strongest option and requested confirmation from the authorities by 26 October. The debate centres on the future governance and economic development of Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.
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Source: Bedford Today news. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.