MP calls for stronger leadership following damning report of bullying and misogyny at Bedford Borough Council

The council is under fire following a Best Value Inspection Report which identifies bulling and misogyny along with financial challenges and issues over leadership, governance, culture and use of resources. Read full report here.

Among the failings outlined, the report states: “Fundamentally there is a problem of leadership. Neither the mayor, cabinet, political groups or most senior officers could find the will, understanding and commitment to confront problems and tackle them. This was partly caused by a desire to avoid accountability for decisions and change, which further resulted in a search for blame rather than solutions.”

Mr Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston, said the report was ‘disappointing though not surprising’.

But he said it offered an opportunity to turn serious failings into a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change which required leadership, vision, a positive and inclusive culture, and the determination to get the basics right.

“The findings of this report must be a turning point”, he said. “The priority now must be to turn these serious failings into a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change.

“We need a clear sense of purpose, stronger leadership and a renewed determination to turn investment and opportunity into tangible improvements in people’s lives.”

“The Conservative mayor and executive have failed to lead this council, and they must take responsibility for their inadequacy and lack of sufficient progress.

“Despite significant government investment to deliver the improvements our community rightly expects – particularly in our town centre, education, SEND provision, road repairs and public transport - progress remains far too slow, and delivery is falling short of the standards our residents deserve.

“I am particularly concerned by the findings on staff morale and the reports of a poor working atmosphere, misogyny and bullying. No one should have to work in an environment where they feel undermined, intimidated or unable to speak up. These issues must be taken seriously, addressed openly and urgently, and followed by meaningful action to rebuild trust and create a culture in which staff feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.

“I therefore, with a heavy heart, welcome the intervention by commissioners to help get local governance working as it should. I will do all I can to support the authority in addressing these failings, strengthening accountability and delivering the changes residents want and deserve."

Mr Yasin added: “Bedford and Kempston have enormous potential, with significant opportunities ahead, including those presented by Universal. We should be making the most of these opportunities to secure a brighter future for our community. But that requires leadership, vision, a positive and inclusive culture, and the determination to get the basics right.

“Residents need a council that gets the fundamentals right: finances under control, services that work, a workplace where staff are treated with dignity and decisions people can trust. I encourage residents to make their views known by October 29, and I will work with anyone serious about delivering the change Bedford Borough Council urgently needs.”

Bedford Borough Conservative Group has said it will consider the report in full before commenting, with a key focus on bringing forward a responsible Budget that protects key services and delivers value for taxpayers.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of independent scrutiny and will take the time to read and consider the report in full, including its findings and recommendations, before commenting in detail. "Our focus remains firmly on the work ahead, particularly delivering a sensible and sustainable Budget that provides value for taxpayers and protects essential frontline services. We've always been clear that the challenges facing Bedford did not arise overnight. "The council’s financial problems built up over more than a decade of Liberal Democrat leadership. It was never going to be possible to address every longstanding problem in just three years.

"However, we're committed to tackling those problems and making the difficult decisions needed to secure a stronger future for the borough.”

Meanwhile, leader of Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats Henry Vann said: “This is a damning indictment of the mayor and his executive and a bad day for residents who will have to pay the bill for the financial chaos.

“The report clearly shows how the professional external advice given since 2023 has not been listened to. Many of us have tried to sound the alarm bells and it is sad that it has now come to this.

"Generations will have to pick up the bill for the mayor's pet projects – such as Debenhams – and inability to face up to necessary decisions to control spending. It is a sad day for taxpayers and all residents of our Borough.

“We are as committed as ever to getting the best for local residents and will continue to work with all those seeking a way out of this mess.”