The former chief executive of Bedford BC has paid tribute to the directly-elected mayor, Frank Branston, who died suddenly last week, aged 70. Shaun Field, who retired from the council just 10 weeks ago, had worked with the mayor since he was elected in 2002 – despite an uneasy start. Prior to his election Mr Branston was a local newspaper owner, and the two had been locked in a libel battle. Mr Field said: ‘I cost him almost £2m – and we ended up as best mates.' Mr Field described the mayor as both ‘dogged and determined' and ‘brilliant'. ‘He was, for me, a breath of fresh air for local government,' the former council boss said. ‘He was a business person who wanted the best for the town. ‘He didn't suffer from the restrictions of the party political system that some councillors do.' Mr Branston was the first directly-elected mayor for Bedford, winning his first election in 2002, before being re-elected for a second term in 2007. He left behind one of the highest-performing councils in the country, with all its service performance indicators in the top quartile, and a four-star rating for value for money. He also achieved unitary status for the borough, despite strong opposition from the county. In a joint statement, leaders of the four political groups paid tribute to the mayor. Councillors Nicky Attenborough, Jim Brandon, Dave Hodgson and Sue Oliver said: ‘Frank will be greatly missed by everyone at the borough council for his vision, for his leadership and support and the historic impact he has had on the whole borough.' Mr Field claimed: ‘We could do with more of him in local government.'
