News / Politics
Bristol set to get six more councillors and two extra wards
Bristol’s electoral map is likely to be tweaked ahead of the next local elections in 2028.
Changes include an additional two wards and the number of councillors at City Hall increasing from 70 to 76.
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) say that the new wards of Ashton and Speedwell & Whitehall have been created to “reflect the distinct identities of both areas”.
A new Ashton ward would only be represented by one councillor in the proposals by the LGBCE who said that “a ward centred on Ashton Vale reflects its distinct identity, which we consider is somewhat separate from the Bedminster and Southville areas”.
And moving east, the LGBCE “observed during our visit to the area that both the Speedwell and Whitehall communities form distinct and identifiable areas that are currently divided across wards” as they recommended a new two‑councillor Speedwell & Whitehall ward.
Bedminster, Bishopston & Ashley Down and the renamed Cotham & Redland will all have three councillors under the proposals.
Other plans include splitting larger wards and creating the new wards of Henleaze, Stoke Bishop and Westbury-on-Trym.
St George East (the new name for St George Troopers Hill) and St George West will both gain an extra councillor.
Go and get the giant ballot box – photo: Martin Booth
LGBCE chair, Bev Smith, said: “Bristol is a unique place and we want residents to help us get these boundaries right.
“We have drawn up proposals for new wards and want to make sure they truly reflect local communities – but we need to hear from the people who know those communities best.”
To find out more and to take part in the consultation which runs until September, visit www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/bristol
Main photo: Martin Booth
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