Mayor Election 2016 / News
Marvin Rees chosen as Labour mayor candidate
Marvin Rees will represent Labour at next year’s mayoral elections after winning the support of his party.
Rees, who lost to George Ferguson last time around, beat Bedminster councillor Mark Bradshaw, claiming 57 per cent of votes from members.
“I am thrilled to be selected by my friends and peers in the Labour Party as their candidate to be Bristol Mayor, and I would like to thank Mark for a great campaign,” he said.
“I am passionate about standing up and fighting for the people of Bristol and the things I know we need for this city to thrive. We need to do a different style of politics and to put people’s needs first and foremost in everything we do.
“I look forward to meeting as many people as possible in the coming months and hearing about what you need from your Mayor, but most of all listening and making sure that Bristol politics starts listening and working with people.”
Bradshaw gave Rees his backing after his narrow defeat. He said: “We need a strong, united Labour campaign for all Bristol and especially the people who have been left behind by the austerity programme.
“Now, we must come together and work for a Labour win next year in the mayoral, all-out council elections. I wish Marvin all the best leading the campaign.”
Labour are likely to provide the biggest threat to Ferguson at next May’s election.
They are the first major party to announce their candidate, with the Lib Dems and Conservatives expected to follow over the coming two days.
Results: Marvin Rees 57 per cent. Mark Bradshaw 43 per cent. Turnout 83.7 per cent, 2,760 valid votes cast.
Read our round-up of who is representing who so far.
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