Cllr Adam Zerny was elected as the new Leader of Central Bedfordshire at the first full Council meeting since the local elections on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
Cllr Zerny used his opening speech on Thursday, May 25, to highlight the independents’ ambitions for the future. He said: “We are the first unitary or county council in the country to be run by Independents. Our wish is that we take consensus and work with all groups to achieve the best for the residents of Central Bedfordshire.
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“We do not have a majority so this might mean that decisions don’t always go our way, but that is right. That is democracy and that is exactly what should happen.
“Now the real work begins. We will take a forensic view of Council finances and make sure our residents get the most out of the Council Tax they pay.
“Protecting the welfare and wallets of residents is our primary aim and as a demonstration of this commitment, all of the Executive have agreed to reduce our allowance, saving £110,000 a year of taxpayers money.”
Cllr Hayley Whitaker is Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Families, Education and Children
Cllr Mary Walsh is Executive Member for Planning and Development
Cllr Simon Ford is Executive Member for Highways and Waste
Cllr Tracey Wye is Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Cllr Steven Watkins Executive Member for Business, Housing and Public Assets
Cllr Mark Smith is Executive Member for Adult Social Care
Cllr John Baker is Executive Member for Finance
Cllr Rebecca Hares is Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison and Cllr Gareth Mackey is Deputy Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison.
During the meeting it was also confirmed that Cllr Richard Wenham continues as leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Shaun Roberts would lead the Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Matthew Brennan would be the leader of the Labour group on the Council.
