News / Politics
Bradshaw hints at rainbow cabinet
Prospective Labour mayoral candidate Mark Bradshaw has hinted that he would have a rainbow cabinet if elected.
The issue of a multi-party cabinet was a key sticking point in the previous election, with some agreeing it played a role in Labour’s defeat.
Bradshaw, a city councillor and current member of independent George Ferguson’s cabinet, said he would be keen to have a Labour majority cabinet but would be open to councillors joining from other parties.
“I would choose the best cabinet for the city and although it would have a majority of Labour members, I would want a cabinet made up of people with knowledge and experience to do the best possible job,” he told the Bristol Post.
However, he ruled out ever working with Ukip in his cabinet, saying he was opposed to everything the party stood for.
Bradshaw is vying with Marvin Rees to be selected as Labour’s official candidate to face George Ferguson.
Rees, who came second to Ferguson at the last election, ruled out a rainbow cabinet early in his previous campaign.
Further controversy followed after the election when Labour councillors were barred from joining Ferguson’s cabinet by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The committee finally removed its restrictions after it was agreed with the mayor that cabinet members would be able to vote on decision – although the mayor retained a final veto.
Bradshaw told the Post he would decide on the make-up of his cabinet, not the NEC.
Picture of Mark Bradshaw from Twitter.