You Voted For: King Branston

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Oct 2002

The final result of the first Bedford Mayoral Election saw Frank Branston elected for the Better Bedford Party. Lib Dem Christine McHugh came second with 36% of the total vote after the 2nd preferences were counted.

The final result:

• Branston (Better Bedford Party): Additional 2nd preferences 2,521; Total vote 12,079

• McHugh (Liberal Democrat): Additional 2nd preferences 2,253; Total vote 6,964

This election is the first in which the Liberal Democrats have outpolled BOTH Labour and Conservatives across Bedford Borough.

Christine said:

"I really want to thank all those people who have supported me so fantastically in this campaign. Six months ago no-one really gave us a chance of winning, but on Thursday we achieved our best ever result in Bedford. Patrick Hall as the Labour MP for Bedford must now really be fearing for his political life having seen the Labour candidate trail in fourth."

"The Liberal Democrats will continue to work constructively, listening to others, working with them where it's in the towns interests, standing up for all local residents and seeking the Best for Bedford."