On Monday, 22nd April 2024, we hosted a Local Election Hustings at the Coach House, offering candidates for the upcoming local elections an opportunity to outline their visions for Bristol's future. Key themes such as addressing structural barriers, affordable housing, climate action, and community engagement were highlighted. With Bristol’s local elections occurring on Thursday 2nd of May 2024, where 70 councillors will be elected, the city’s electorate will play a crucial role in shaping its future. Following the recent decision to discard the mayoral system – emphasising the importance of political participation, a cross-party committee composed of councillors – our local councillors will hold greater power and responsibility to ensure the everyday operation of Bristol’s local government. For our hustings, we were joined by Group Leader Councillor Tom Renhard (Labour), Group Leader Jos Clark (Liberal Democrats), Councillor Tony Dyer (Green Party) on behalf of Group Leader Councillor Emma Edwards, and Deputy Group Leader Councillor Geoff Gollop (Conservative) on behalf of Group Leader Councillor Mark Weston.
Our hustings provided a platform for engaging with representatives from Bristol’s local political parties, allowing communities to learn about their plans and how they’ll address issues that Bristol’s Black and Minoritised communities face.
Photo from left to right, Host, Rob Mitchell, Tom Renhard (Labour), Jos Clark (Liberal Democrats), Tony Dyer (Green Party), and Geoff Gollop (Conservative).
Group Leader Councillor Tom Renhard (Labour) emphasised the importance of addressing structural barriers in the coming months and years. With a proud track record in race and housing initiatives, he is committed to building Bristol's future by focusing on education, where he highlights that racially minoritised communities are more affected by exclusions, and addressing the school exclusion-to-prison pipeline issue. His pledge to deliver 3000 council homes over the next five years underscores his dedication to creating safer, more affordable communities while transitioning to a net-zero future.
Group Leader Jos Clark (Liberal Democrats) highlighted the shared goals among candidates but emphasised differing approaches to action. Focusing on the six headlines of the Lib Dems' agenda, including expanding care facilities and accelerating climate action, Jos stressed the need for faster progress in renewable energy and retrofitting homes. Recognising the barriers in public transportation, she stressed the importance of accessible bus routes.
Councillor Tony Dyer (Green Party) outlined his commitment to social investment, particularly in social housing and education. Focusing on improving social housing standards and creating energy-efficient homes, he emphasised the importance of addressing the cost of living and investing in education for better life outcomes. Tony also highlighted the need for improved communication between the council and residents to build stronger community relationships and ensure inclusivity.
Group Leader Councillor Geoff Gollop (Conservative), with over 20 years of council experience, acknowledges that his party hasn't held a controlling position but believes they still have a role to play. He highlights his advocacy for local causes, such as opposing fees for cars entering the city centre and his involvement in abolishing the mayoral role. He advocates for greater collaboration among parties to achieve better outcomes, particularly in addressing housing affordability and preserving local community facilities like parks and libraries. His focus is on fostering a sense of belonging within Bristol's communities.
Photo from left to right during the Q&A session, Tom Renhard (Labour), Jos Clark (Liberal Democrats), Tony Dyer (Green Party), and Geoff Gollop (Conservative).
During the Q&A session, candidates addressed pressing issues such as combating racism and promoting inclusivity. Group Leader Councillor Geoff Gollop (Conservative) emphasised the importance of working together to achieve the vision of 'One City.' At the same time, Councillor Tony Dyer (Green Party) highlighted the need to address racial disparities in housing and take tangible action. Group Leader Jos Clark (Liberal Democrats) emphasised the importance of diverse and accommodating schools to foster inclusivity and diversity in education. Group Leader Councillor Tom Renhard (Labour) is fully committed to tackling racism and implicit biases within the council, advocating for inclusive education and zero exclusions while providing necessary support.
As election day approaches, we encourage the general public to exercise their democratic right and vote at their local polling stations on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. Your vote is crucial in shaping the future of our city. If you are unsure where your polling station is, you can find out by entering your postcode here.
Watch the full coverage of the Local Councillor Election Hustings below.