News / Politics
Alastair Watson is new Tory mayoral candidate
A former Bristol lord mayor has been confirmed by the Conservative Party as their new mayoral candidate.
While the lord mayor is a ceremonial position, Bristol’s directly elected mayor is the most powerful politician in the city.
Alastair Watson has thrown his hat into the ring with just over four months to go until the election is due to take place on May 6.
The project manager and business consultant replaces Samuel Williams in the race for the top job at City Hall, with the Tories’ original mayoral candidate now standing to be metro mayor.
Watson, who was previously a councillor for Westbury-on-Trym, lives in Redland and used to co-own the former No Man’s Grace restaurant on Chandos Road with his son, John.
Alastair Watson and his son, John Watson – photo: Alastair Watson
The 65-year-old, who is a keen rower and cyclist, was Bristol lord mayor in 2014; holding a position that dates back to 1216.
On Thursday night, Watson tweeted: “I am now the official Conservative candidate for Mayor of Bristol. Wish me luck?”
Watson goes head-to-head in the mayoral race with Labour incumbent Marvin Rees, the Green Party’s Sandy Hore-Ruthven and Lib Dem Dr Caroline Gooch.
Watson with 80s pop star Sinitta – photo: Alastair Watson
Main photo: Alastair Watson
Read more: Bristol councillor resigns due to ‘chronic stress’
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