Prime Minister David Cameron has headed west, to Bristol, to urge Bristolians to vote ‘yes’ in the Bristol Mayor referendum next week – in what he says is a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity.
Mr Cameron told the Radio 4 Today programme this morning: “The establishments in these cities are often massively against Mayors, so that the only chance you have of actually getting change is offering the people the chance to step over the heads of the elites and say, actually, no we’d like this change. And I hope that in Bristol and Birmingham and elsewhere, people will vote for a mayor.”
The Conservative will give his speech to political activists at 6pm tonight at a secret Bristol location. Authorities are keen to avoid any political protests or disruption, so are only releasing location details to selected media and interested parties after 5pm. He will say: “It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to change the way our country is run. I passionately want those cities – from Bristol to Birmingham, Nottingham to Newcastle, Sheffield to Wakefield – to give a resounding, emphatic yes next week.”
He added: “So my message to voters is simple: don’t miss out. This is it. One moment. One chance. One day when you can change the course of your city. You can see that place you live in stagnate or reach for something more. Join the race or fall behind. If you want a powerful figure who loves your city running your city – get out and vote yes.”
Also taking place, at Bristol Grammar School at 6.30pm this evening, is a public discussion on the Mayoral debate – which includes a pro-Mayoral talk from Roy Mallen, a policeman who went on to become Mayor of Middlesborough. Other speakers include Peter Abraham, leader of the Bristol Conservative Party, Gus Baker, President of the Students’ Union and Labour’s Paul Smith, Alderman of Bristol City Council.
Christina Zaba, of the Mayor of Bristol campaign, said: “This is a chance for everyone to come and learn more about what elected Mayors are about. With the vote in Bristol now just a couple of weeks away, it’s important everyone knows what they’re voting for.”
As with other exhortations from a posh boy who does Prime Minister impressions badly for a living, being urged by him to vote for an elected mayor makes me want to vote No, despite the urgent need for change down the Counts Louse.
Christina,
Rob Telford and other No Campaigners were only contacted about appearing at the event AFTER you had already confirmed the line up. Do you deny this?
One of the panelists has already stated on twitter that there were just 75 audience members in a hall that seats 400. Certainly not "over 100"
What is your source for the claim that over half of the leaflets were not delivered? Or did you just make that figure up?
Do you still claim that the Yes Campaign is made up of non-politicians despite the fact that one of your number, Jason Budd, has been revealed as a member of a political party on your own website, and ran for election in the Bristol City Council elections last year?
The mayoral "discussion" (ha!) had the panellists above who are all in the Yes camp.
How does this help further the debate?
Remarkable double speak from Cameron
We the people can overcome the establishment elites by voting for a system which will impose an even smaller, narrower elite in power.
The intellectual dishonesty of the yes campaign is the most noticeable factor in this campaign.
A perfectly good reason to vote NO!!!!!!!