Mid-Bedfordshire Faces By-Election: What the Candidates Say on Key Issues

Mid-Bedfordshire is set for a by-election following the resignation of its former MP, Conservative cabinet minister Nadine Dorries, who left after failing to secure a peerage in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours. Situated between Luton and Bedford, this constituency, home to over 118,000 residents, will select its new representative on 19th October, with 13 candidates vying for the position. In this article, we will delve into the major issues confronting this highly contested seat and hear what some of the political contenders have to say.

**Housing Growth and Affordability**

The Central Bedfordshire area, where a significant portion of the constituency lies, has witnessed a substantial increase in housing development. In 2012/13, 966 new homes were constructed or converted, while in 2021/22, that number surged to 2,424, marking a 151% rise. In comparison, the national average for housing growth in England was 87%.

Festus Akinbusoye, a Conservative candidate, emphasizes the need to evaluate not only the quantity but also the suitability and location of these homes. He argues, “The question we should be asking is, ‘Are they the right homes and are they in the right places?'” Akinbusoye supports housebuilding but wants to ensure that local residents are not excluded from decision-making processes. He cautions against overdevelopment on greenbelt land and the construction of numerous four-bedroom homes in rural areas like Mid Beds.

The Liberal Democrats, during their party conference, voted to maintain an annual housebuilding target of 380,000 in England. Emma Holland-Lindsay, their Mid Beds candidate, highlights the concerns of local residents over green spaces disappearing in favor of unaffordable housing. She advocates for a community-led approach and empowering local neighborhoods to shape development decisions.

Alistair Strathern from the Labour party acknowledges the current system’s shortcomings and pledges to support developments that are accompanied by appropriate infrastructure. He argues that it’s crucial to advocate for the constituency’s needs in the development process.

Dave Holland, representing Reform UK, takes a different perspective, asserting that the issue is not a lack of houses but an excessive population. He urges voters to consider controlling immigration to address the problem.

Gareth Mackey, an Independent candidate, takes a pragmatic stance, asserting that the number of homes is not necessarily the problem but their location and supporting infrastructure. His focus is on ensuring developments are well-planned.

Cade Sibley of the Green Party expresses doubts about whether the current housing construction meets the demand. He questions the proportion of smaller, more accessible homes compared to larger, potentially secondary properties.

**Healthcare Challenges**

In the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) NHS area, there is a significant strain on healthcare services, with 2,799 patients per fully qualified GP, making it the fifth-highest ratio in England. The number of patients per GP has increased by 468 since March 2017, despite a notable rise in trainee GPs.

Emma Holland-Lindsay, as a Central Bedfordshire councillor, emphasizes the challenging situation for patients battling with phone systems. She advocates for recruiting more GPs and increased funding to address infrastructure problems.

Alistair Strathern, representing Labour, aims to close a tax loophole benefiting non-domiciled individuals and invest the resulting revenue in building staff capacity. He believes that modernizing the NHS is essential to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Festus Akinbusoye argues that addressing the growth in the population of Mid Bedfordshire is essential to relieve pressure on local healthcare services. He suggests tackling both the demand side and the underlying causes of service pressures.

**Economic Concerns**

Mid Bedfordshire has a higher proportion of economically active people compared to regional and national averages, with an average gross weekly pay of £767 in 2022. However, the constituency faces economic challenges, with 39% of its homes being mortgaged, the third-highest in England and Wales. This leaves residents vulnerable to interest rate hikes.

Alistair Strathern expresses concern over families struggling with increased mortgage payments and proposes measures to support mortgage holders and provide relief for energy bills.

Festus Akinbusoye hopes that lower inflation will give the Bank of England the opportunity to lower interest rates. He also points to the Mortgage Charter, an agreement with banks, which could help reduce payments for some borrowers.

The Liberal Democrats, represented by Emma Holland-Lindsay, plan to reverse tax cuts for banks and create a £3 billion fund to assist mortgage holders. This fund would provide grants to homeowners, alleviating financial pressure.

Cade Sibley supports a “windfall tax” on the top 1% to ensure that people do not struggle with mortgage and heating bills.

Gareth Mackey suggests implementing controls on rent to prevent individuals from feeling the need to own their own homes, thus reducing financial strain.

Dave Holland calls for a reduction in VAT on fuel to lower transportation costs and ease the financial burden on residents.

In conclusion, the Mid-Bedfordshire by-election has brought to light various concerns, including housing growth, healthcare, and economic challenges. The candidates offer a range of solutions, reflecting the diverse needs of the constituency’s residents. The outcome of the election will determine the course of action for addressing these vital issues.