Conservatives working together
South West Bedfordshire Conservative Association (SWBCA) ceases to operate from 30 September 2023.
As a result of the latest Parliamentary Boundary Review by the Boundary Commission, the constituency will be reformed to include DUNSTABLE, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, HEATH & REACH and HOUGHTON REGIS only.
The villages of Eaton Bray, Kensworth, Studham and Whipsnade will transfer to the Luton Association and take effect from 1st October. Members in those wards will be transferred out of SWBCA on 20 September.
We do understand you can request a transfer back to the new DALBCA
(Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Conservative Association) if you would prefer, after the 1st October.
We would like to thank everyone who has been involved,
or part of SWBCA over the 50 years we have been established.
regards
Cllr Carole Hegley
CHAIRMAN
Conservative President 2020-23 Michael Harper
My name is Michael Harper, and I am delighted to have been re-elected as President of the Association for 2022/23 It has been my pleasure to hold the role of Chairman for SWBCA for a number of years before being elected to the role of President in 2018. I am a local businessman, uphold Conservative values, and give my full support to our local Conservative team for what they do and plan for South West Bedfordshire and its residents.
If you move down the page you will see the various sections on the website, click on the blue buttons to see more information....
Conservative President 2018-20 John Worboys
My name is John Worboys, I was President of the Association for 2018-2020 and I welcome you to our website, and thank you for visiting. It has been my pleasure to hold the role of Chairman for SWBCA for a number of years before being elected to the role of President in 2018. I am a local businessman, uphold Conservative values, and give my full support to our local Conservative team for what they do and plan for South West Bedfordshire and its residents. If you move down the page you will see the various sections on the website, click on the blue buttons to see more information....
Conservative Chairman of SWBCA - Carole Hegley
My name is Carole Hegley, I'm Chairman of the Association and thank you for visiting the page. It has been my pleasure to have held various roles in SWBCA over a number of years before being elected to the role of Chairman in 2018. I am a unitary councillor for Central Bedfordshire Council, and have small business interests which is why in the past I was Chairman of the Luton/S Beds branch of the Federation of Small Businesses for many years. I plan to be a proactive, supportive and hard working Chairman and look forward to meeting existing and new members and enhancing the profile and activities of our Association.
Conservative MP Andrew Selous
Andrew Selous (left) with Cllr James Jamieson (Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council - middle), Sir Malcolm Rifkind and John Worboys, Chairman of South West Bedfordshire Conservative Association (SWBCA) at the time. Andrew was re-elected again in June 2017.
Conservative Councillors at Central Bedfordshire Council
Residents are supported by 7 Conservative Councillors from South West Bedfordshire at Central Bedfordshire Council including Dunstable, Eaton Bray, Heath & Reach, Caddington wards. From May 2023 Central Beds Council's Administration is run by the Independent Network. Our Conservative Councillors are on various committees. We welcome interest from members who may like to join our Candidate List in future and select those who will be most effective to serve local residents. You are required to be a Conservative member to become a Candidate and Councillor.
Conservative Councillors representing local Town Councils
Cllr Sid Abbott is Leader of the ruling group for Dunstable Town Council (2021) and Cllr Steve Jones is Leader for Leighton Linslade Town Council (2021), both councils have strong representation from Conservative Councillors, working on a voluntary basis for their local communities and towns.
Councillors from Central Bedfordshire Council and Leighton Linslade Town Council shown here, from Leighton South ward
Conservative councillors representing local villages
Central Beds Councillors also represent some of our local villages in South West Bedfordshire including the wards of Heath & Reach, Eaton Bray and Caddington. The issues raised by residents in rural areas can be different to those in local towns and so having experienced councillors with local knowledge to help residents on services from Central Beds Council is invaluable.
Cllr Mark Versallion is pictured here in Heath & Reach with members of the Highways Maintenance team, addressing some local changes to the highways in one of his villages.
Conservative Women's Organisation
Harriet Selous was President for the South West Beds Conservative Women's Organisation (CWO). The group disbanded in 2021 and events are now organised through the main Association, with the help of some of the CWO members
Harriet is pictured here with the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Conservative Members of SWBCA
SWBCA is pleased to be supported by many local members across South West Bedfordshire. Membership is just £5 for young members, £15 for Armed Forces and £25 as a standard membership. All members can join our mailing list to receive information, event and meeting invitations, updates, etc. We have a very varied and active Calendar of Events. A Special Member receives an Annual Award for their contribution and help to the Association. In 2019 the Award was given to Ann Sparrow for her services as a District, Unitary & Town Councillor, work as Chairman of the CWO and fundraising efforts and work in the community, especially In Bloom.
Conservative VIP Guests to SWBCA
SWBCA has been fortunate to attract a number of VIP Conservative visitors to our meetings and events, including the prestigious Annual Dinner which is normally a sell out. Visitors have included Priti Patel, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Ian Duncan-Smith, Michael Gove, Theresa May, Mark Prisk and many more shown in this section. Our members receive invitations to these events as part of their membership activities and programme of events.
Conservative events for business
The Chiltern Economic Forum was formed to facilitate business people to network, exchange views and political interests and meet Special Interest speakers. There are a number of events held annually and we welcome interest from business members to be included in this forum. The CEF was delighted to host a launch event with Lord Digby-Jones as their VIP Speaker. The event was held at the Old Palace Lodge, an excellent venue in South West Bedfordshire.
Conservative events for Members & Guests
SWBCA organise a number of Association events throughout the year, complemented by a range of ward events. These are held across South West Beds in various settings and venues. Members can join our mailing list to receive invitations including the Annual Dinner with VIP speaker, Christmas Carol events, Coffee Mornings, Suppers, Lunches, Dinners, Quizzes, Wine Tastings, Political evenings and events in support of local and national charities. Events attract members of all ages and new members and guests are made welcome.
Conservatives campaigning in South West Bedfordshire
Part of our philosophy is to keep in contact with our electorate. Our MP Andrew Selous, Central Beds Councillors and Town Councillors should all participate in local campaigning. This includes leading local campaigns on behalf of residents when there are controversial proposals.
Contact your local MP for national issues
Contact your local councillors for council issues
Conservatives working and helping in their communities
Councillors and members not only have their council responsibilities but very often become involved in other organisations, promotions, events in the community. There are official duties for some, and fun, or fundraising for others. Many councillors are also school governors or on outside bodies in their council capacity, so you may see them in a number of roles around the local area.
Conservatives working together to improve towns, villages, services
It is rewarding as a councillor to steer, contribute, influence and support projects in local communities for the benefit of residents. Encouraging jobs, investing in major roads, introducing new transport links, working with local businesses, educational establishments, to improve opportunities for local residents and their children, families - all part of how a councillor can become involved to create plans and drive delivery of improvement in our areas. Take a look at the video stories to see what's happening..........
Conservative philosophy and values
To improve the quality of life for everyone through:
A dynamic economy, where thriving businesses create jobs, wealth and opportunity.
A strong society, where our families, our communities and our nation create secure foundations on which people can build their lives.
A sustainable environment, where we enhance the beauty of our surroundings and protect the future of the planet.
Conservative membership
If you uphold Conservative values and would like to become a member, we'd like to hear from you. There's an application on the website under this section. £5 for young members, £15 for Armed Forces and £25 general. It's an annual subscription and we'll keep you informed about local events, meetings, campaigns.
Become a Conservative Councillor - our next local elections are in May 2023 and we are looking for candidates NOW!
If you have an interest in your local community and services that are being delivered by your local councils, and would like to contribute to policy making, influence strategic plans and be a voice to represent views of local residents, then becoming an elected councillor could be for you. Our Association provides support, training and guidance to those who uphold Conservative values and want to play an active role. We look forward to hearing from you if you would like to know more.....
Conservatives keeping in touch
SWBCA use a number of ways to keep in touch with residents, and encourage ward members to do the same. Websites, Facebook, Twitter, In Touch leaflets, Surgery stalls for Councillors and Campaign stalls at various times of year and in a range of locations and events. Keeping in touch is important to us, to listen to residents and update them on key national and local issues. Andrew Selous very often joins our campaigns and keep in touch events.
It is also important to keep in touch with the National Party office and of course the most senior Ministers, where possible. We host a number of Policy Forums where members come together on specific topics to feedback to Government.
SWBCA President and the Management Team for 2022-23
SWBCA is managed by a team of members elected to manage business of the Association.
(Photos Left to Right)
Michael Harper- PRESIDENT (1)
Carole Hegley- CHAIRMAN (2)
Nigel Young- VICE CHAIRMAN, POLITICAL (3)
Gloria Martin- VICE CHAIRMAN, FUNDRAISING (4)
Kevin Collins- TREASURER (5)
Johnson Tamara- Dunstable Area (6)
Ann Sparrow - Friends of CWO (7)
Amanda Dodwell - Leighton Linslade Area (8)
Julian Gallie - Young Conservatives(9)
Terry Colbourne - Co-optee (10)
Liz Jones - Co-optee (11)
Pam Ghent - Co-optee/Social (12)
Rob Yates - Co-optee (13)
Anthony McKenna - Co-optee (14)
Vacancy - Houghton Regis Area
Conservative Thanks to our supporters and electors
Working as a team locally, Conservatives deliver on a number of projects for the benefit of local residents. We thank our supporters and residents for electing and re-electing our candidates to become your representatives in local councils and in Parliament.
Thank you for visiting!
John Worboys
Chairman
