Judith Cunningham

Judith Cunningham
Mayor of Bedford
In office
2002–2003
Preceded byPat Olney
Succeeded byFrank Branston
Bedford Borough Council member for Wootton, Bedfordshire
In office
1996–2011
Personal details
PartyLiberal Democrats

Judith Cunningham ( – October 11, 2024) was a British politician, the final ceremonial Mayor of Bedford, and Liberal Democrat Bedford Borough Councillor for Wootton (1996 – 2011)

Political Career

First elected to the Bedford Borough Council in 1996, joining as a liberal democrat. She would spend 13 years for the Council in its District mode, two years as a Unitary.[1]

Judith Cunningham became Mayor of Bedford in 2002.[2][3] She was the second Jewish Mayor of Bedford and last ceremonial Mayor of Bedford.[1]

In 2006 Judith Cunningham won the election borough councillor with a percentage of 47.3% (864 people).[4]

She won the 2009 local election receiving a seat alongside Tim Hill. She received 919 votes.[5]

Religion

Judith Cunningham was Jewish.[1]

Legacy

In 2002 Judith was the final ceremonial Mayor of Bedford, for which she got the reputation of being the last "true" Mayor of Bedford.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hutchinson, Paul (2024-10-11). "Bedford's last ceremonial mayor and former Wootton councillor dies". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  2. ^ "Lib Dem Group Officers and Spokespeople Elected". www.bedfordlibdems.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  3. ^ "Judith Cunningham". bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk. 2019-07-22. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  4. ^ "Local Elections Archive Project - 2006 - Bedford". www.andrewteale.me.uk. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  5. ^ "Bedford Borough Elections 2009 - The Latest Results Updated Live!". www.bedfordlibdems.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  6. ^ Publishing, Progress (2024-04-09). "How the mayors of Bedford Borough have left their mark". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 2025-11-19.