The first candidate has been announced in the race to become the next mayor of Bedford, following the death of Frank Branston last month. Cllr Dave Hodgson is leader of the Bedford Liberal Democrats group, and was appointed to Bedford BC's cabinet as member for partnerships and IT by the late mayor. He expressed his delight at being selected to stand, adding that he was committed to the borough. ‘We face enormous challenges such as the decaying town centre, regeneration of the bus station area and the need for a quality transport system,' Cllr Hodgson added. ‘It will require each and every one of us to work together, if we are to succeed and bring about the changes that the borough so desperately needs.' Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman, Ed Davey, MP, has backed Cllr Hodgson for the role after the pair discussed key issues and priorities for the by-election campaign. ‘The Liberal Democrats go into this by-election in a strong position after coming first in the recent council elections,' Mr Davey said. The by-election is expected to take place on 15 October.