Busy year ahead for newly elected mayor for Leighton-Linslade

Councillor Pughe has taken on the role of mayor for the second time in three years, having last served at mayor in 2024. He takes on the baton from outgoing mayor Cllr David Bligh.

Mr Pughe’s appointment was announced at Leighton Linslade’s annual council meeting on May 20, with Cllr Nancy Hogan elected as deputy mayor.

"I was mayor for the first year of a four-year term and am now back and looking forward to a busy year ahead before the elections are held next year,” said cllr Pughe, who also serves on Central Beds Council.

“I hope to work closely with Nancy Hogan, the new deputy mayor. I’ve still got lots of stuff to learn, but Nancy is new to the council and the role so it will all be new to her,” he added.

“There will be lots to do, but the focus and challenge ahead will be to support and help raise funds for the many local charities and voluntary groups in the town.

“We haven’t yet decided which causes we will be backing, but will follow David Bligh’s example, and I know Nancy is keen to focus on supporting groups and charities which help causes highlighting domestic abuse and violence against women.”

He said the mayor’s office would also be supporting the vital role of the town’s Community Fridge project, which operates like a food bank but is open to everyone, and would be working closely with Leighton Linslade’s Rotary Club’s ‘Yes We Can’ programme, which delivers sporting opportunities for people with physical disabilities and learning challenges.

He’ll also be involved in fundraising activities, supporting local performing arts groups as well as attending formal engagements which include civic events and charity dinners.

A Lib Dem councillor, Kevin Pughe, 66, has been involved in local politics since his 30s. He says he turned down the role of mayor many years ago but says he has more time to devote to the job now he’s retired.

And he’s never been busier, wearing lots of different hats, which include chairing full council, attending five or six meetings a year. “It’s an apolitical role and involves keeping people in order,” he said. “The Lib Dems have a majority of 14 (out of 21) on the council, which is a nice place to be, but it’s important to work with others to achieve what’s best for the town.”

Away from his political life he is a keen campanologist, ringing the bells at All Saints Church and also volunteers at the church coffee shop, which is open three days week to raise vital funds.

The appointments of both new mayor and his deputy were welcomed by the council with members extending congratulations as they begin their new roles serving the community.

They stated: “We also want to say a huge thank you to outgoing mayor Cllr Bligh and deputy mayor Cllr Emm for their dedication and service over the past two years. Their commitment and hard work have been greatly appreciated by the town.”