News / Politics
Bristol’s Labour group has a new deputy leader
Carole Johnson has been elected by her fellow councillors as the Bristol Labour group’s deputy leader.
Johnson was elected as a Labour councillor for Horfield in 2024 having previously served as councillor for Ashley ward from 2016 for five years; and currently sits on the public health & communities policy committee at City Hall.
Johnson was also deputy lord mayor from 2020 to 2021 and has worked as a magistrate.
Outside of politics, Johnson was interim chair and a key organiser of St Paul’s Carnival.
During her five-year term in office, Johnson also served as Windrush ambassador as a child of the generation herself, raising awareness of Windrush schemes and supported those affected to receive their legitimate stay here in the UK.
The new role of the Bristol Labour group’s deputy leader will see Johnson supporting the group leader Tom Renhard and taking charge in his absence.
The role will also entail pastoral support and liaising with local party members.
Bristol Labour’s new deputy leader Carole Johnson (left) with former Bristol deputy mayor Asher Craig (right) – photo: Labour Party
Johnson said: “As deputy, I want to put a particular focus on equalities and equity especially those facing racial inequalities across the city, to tackle negative disparities, promote unity and build a fairer Bristol for all of our residents.
“I worry that the council’s focus on this has slipped since the Greens took office.
“I am looking forward to representing Bristolians city-wide, meeting people across the city and putting forward a positive vision for Bristol.”
Renhard added: “The Greens have overseen broken promise after broken promise and refused to take meaningful action on the issues that matter.
“We need a strong constructive opposition to push the council onto the right track; Labour has the team to hold the Green-led administration to account and push for residents to receive the services they deserve.
“Carole is a great ward councillor making a difference to the lives of local residents and will make a formidable deputy leader.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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