The UK continues its period of political uncertainty following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marking the sixth prime ministerial departure in 10 years and causing Labour to join the Tory resignation legacy.
The resignation comes after significant setbacks for Labour in the 2026 local elections, causing the party to lose 1,498 council seats nationally.
Additionally, there is rising pressure from PM-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, plus political fatigue and declining public trust in political institutions.
In Bedford, a town with a politically diverse population and representation split across parties and wealth (see local council members, deprivation indices of Bedford), the national political turbulence raises an important question: Does the public think politics works?
With a directly elected Conservative mayor, one Labour and two Tory MPs and a Labour Police and Crime Commissioner, it’s clear the ballot box reflects the diversity of the Borough’s political opinions.
What do Bedfordians think?
Speaking to people in Bedford town centre, it’s clear that there is a mixture of opinions.
Saran, a student, told us that he believed that the prime minister was simply receiving “too much backlash” and that the only answer was to be “stepping down at some point”, sooner or later.
However, there are split opinions on whether having such a high turnover of prime ministers is a bad thing, and whether politics in Britain is working.
A teenager who spoke to us said that it was an “obvious problem”.
“We haven’t had stability in a long time, and I think stability might be a key thing when you’re trying to lead a country,” they said.
“It’s a bit disheartening to see that we haven’t had someone good enough to be prime minister.”
She also doesn’t think politics is working: “I mean, it’s not. We’ve got a lot of extremism right now on both ends of the spectrum.”
Libby, during his day job at La Piazza. Image: Bedford Independent.
However, Liberato ‘Libby’ Lionetti, who owns La Piazza in St Peter’s Square, shared that he’s not worried at all.
“It makes it [democracy] stronger.
“It makes it stronger because people are trying to make things better. So why hold on to something that people are not happy with?
“I think politics [is] working because it’s all positive in the sense that if it’s not going right, it gets changed.”
Andy Burnham and the future of devolution
Andy Burnham has positioned himself as one of the country’s most prominent advocates for transferring power away from Westminster.
As the former metropolitan mayor of Manchester, he has a vision of a “No. 10 North” and has rekindled debates about whether power should continue to be concentrated in Westminster.
Saran explained that he understands the concept, but isn’t sure that it will actually do anything.
“Hopefully, the intent would be to lead to more situational policies for different places because, obviously, different places will experience different needs.
“But you look at some of the powers that the local council has already, and they don’t really do much with it.”
Bedford mayor and devolution
Bedford, since around 1264, has had some form of a mayor, but strictly ceremonial.
However, in 2002, Bedfordians voted in a referendum to replace their ceremonial mayor and instead have an elected mayor to support the council.
Bedford is among 13 unitary authorities that currently have a directly elected mayor.
The current mayor, Tom Wootton (Conservative), said: “Bedford Borough must be part of the conversation on devolution and the interests of our residents and businesses must be fully represented and considered.”
He believes “devolution is not a magic wand, and it will not, by itself, solve the serious challenges facing local government.”
However, he isn’t anti-greater devolution, stating he is “open to the possibility of real devolution, particularly if it brings meaningful powers, investment, and better outcomes for local people.”
Whether he would be the incumbent mayor, remains to be seen.
Bedford MPs and the current political landscape
Bedford & Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour) speaking at PMQs 24 July 2024. Image: Screenshot via Parliament.TV.
Two of the MPs who represent Bedford Borough residents gave us their thoughts on the political upheaval.
Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, told us: “Governments have had to navigate a series of unprecedented crises…
“Politics is still capable of delivering change, but it requires leadership with clear ideas, honesty about the challenges we face, and the ability to bring people together rather than divide them.”
On further devolution, he said that it would empower local leaders – in principle, a positive development.
“However, devolution cannot simply be about shifting responsibilities without providing the funding to match.
“Ultimately, I will judge any proposals on whether they improve people’s lives, strengthen local democracy and help deliver economic growth across the whole country.
“We need a clear direction, optimism and some bold action to make the changes people voted for.
“While leadership in Westminster may change, my commitment to serving my constituents does not.”
Blake Stephenson, the Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said, “I will always work cross-party in the best interests of the people.”
“I will continue to scrutinise Government policy going forward, after already speaking 135 times in parliament and submitting more than 1,500 formal questions to government ministers.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Kimberley College about Universal Studios UK looked on by students at the college, Comcast president Michael J. Cavanagh and the Chancellor. Image: Bedford Independent
Wider national debate
As Westminster once again enters a period of political transition, opinion in Bedford appears likely to reflect a wider national debate on whether politics is still capable of delivering meaningful change.
For some residents, another prime ministerial resignation represents further evidence of political instability and growing disconnection.
For others, figures such as Andy Burnham may offer an opportunity to reshape how communities are represented.
However, a key problem that Andy Burnham is facing overall is the criticism that his popularity only spans the North.
Saran said: “I had not heard of Andy Burnham until the resignation of Keir Starmer.
“I’ve not really looked into him. I don’t really have much of an opinion on him.”
Libby shared similar views. “Well, he hasn’t represented us…He’s from a different part of England, where he was very proactive in what he was doing, so he’s well known there for what he does.
“And for him to now be asked to be a political leader…there must be something good that he’s been doing.
“But for me, he hasn’t represented me.”