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 boundaries of every existing ward but one will change under the proposals from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).
is needed now More than ever
The LGBCE say that new wards, which include Ashton and Speedwell & Whitehall, have been created to “reflect the distinct identities” of the areas they cover.
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 covering an area that previously included parts of St George West and St George Central.
Bedminster, Bishopston & Ashley Down and the combined Cotham & Redland will all have three councillors under the proposals; and Totterdown will join the electoral map in the new ward of Windmill Hill & Totterdown.
Other plans include splitting some of Bristol’s larger and most affluent wards, and creating the new wards of Henleaze, Stoke Bishop and Westbury-on-Trym.
Other new wards include Stapleton and Fishponds in part of what is currently Frome Vale; while St George East (the new name for St George Troopers Hill) and St George West will both gain an extra councillor.
“We consider that our draft recommendations will provide for good electoral equality while reflecting community identities and interests,” says the LGBCE report.
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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