New mayor announces cabinet

Mayor Frank Branston has gone for 'experience'

Bedford's newly elected Mayor Frank Branston has announced some of his cabinet.

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and cabinet members will decide how the council spends its funds and delivers services.

The new deputy mayor has been named as Labour councillor Apu Bagchi.

The Mayor has also appointed four councillors to become cabinet members and office holders.

'Experienced' team

They are councillors Jim Brandon (Independent), Margaret Davey (Conservative), Bob Elford (Labour), Pat Olney (Independent) and Tarsem Paul (Conservative).

Announcing the appointments, Mr Branston said: "I have picked an experienced team who will do a good job for the people of this borough."

Newspaper owner and Better Bedford Independent candidate Mr Branston defeated Liberal Democrat councillor Christine McHugh.

Both had beaten another six hopefuls to go through to the second round of voting in the election.

Mr Branston had been the favourite to win, polling 9,557 votes - almost twice the number for Ms McHugh.