Lib Dem Dave Hodgson becomes the new directly-elected mayor of Bedford

Dave Hodgson (Lib Dem) has won the public vote to become the new directly-elected mayor of Bedford.

The result, following the re-allocation of second preference votes, was as follows:

Dave Hodgson (Lib Dem) 13555

Parvez Akhtar (Con) 11543

The Labour candidate came 5th and was eliminated in the first round.

In his acceptance speech, Mayor Hodgson paid tribute to Frank Branston, the previous Independent holder of the post, whose sudden death in August sadly caused the by-election. Dave pledged to work to make Bedford a great place to live, work and do business.