By-election could see Labour or Greens become largest party in Bristol

A by-election is due to be held at Bristol City Council after a councillor announced he is stepping down.

The upcoming vote in Hotwells & Harbourside could mean either Labour or the Greens – who each currently have 24 seats – becoming the largest group on the council.

Liberal Democrat councillor Alex Hartley announced he was resigning in a letter to residents. He said mental health concerns meant he could no longer represent residents “as well as they deserve”. It’s not yet clear when the by-election will be held.

Hartley was first elected in May 2021, and played a pivotal role in the referendum to scrap the mayoral model and move to a committee system, by tabling a motion which led to the referendum. His resignation paves the way for a new political battle in early 2023.

Hartley said: “It has been the honour of my life to represent Hotwells & Harbourside ward, and to fight for your interests in City Hall. Unfortunately due to mental health concerns, I no longer feel able to represent you as well as you deserve. For that I am truly sorry.

“The one solace to me having to step down is that former MP for Bristol West and councillor for Cabot ward, Stephen Williams, has decided to be the candidate for the Lib Dems in the ensuing by-election.”

In the last local elections, held in May 2021, the Liberal Democrats narrowly defeated the Greens to win the seat, with Labour coming a close third.

Liberal Democrats received 651 votes, while the Greens received 625, Labour 496, and Conservatives 182. Liberal Democrats have held the seat for many years, although with increasingly smaller majorities.

But if the Greens win the seat, and become the largest party on the council, that means very little under the current mayoral system.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees would still be able to appoint an all Labour cabinet, and Labour would keep decision-making powers, despite not being the largest party. The next citywide local elections in Bristol are due in May 2024.

As well as former MP Williams running for the Liberal Democrats, two other candidates have already announced their plans to run for councillor.

Patrick McAllister is running for the Greens, while Martin Booth, Editor of Bristol24/7, is running as an independent candidate. It’s not yet clear who is running for Labour or the Conservatives.

McAllister lives locally, has a degree in climate science and works in legal services. If elected, he said he would focus on fighting budget cuts, flooding and the cladding scandal.

McAllister said: “I’m very proud to have been selected as the Green Party candidate for Hotwells & Harbourside. A Green win here would make us the biggest party on the council and help us make Bristol the fair and green city that residents want to live in.

“I will always stand up for the interests of the Hotwells and Harbourside community, and challenge the unfairness of upcoming budget cuts, residents being left at risk of flooding by developers, and the cladding scandal that is threatening residents with bankruptcy just to make their homes safe.”

Local journalist Booth lives in the ward. He said Central Library should not be moved from its location, more local input is needed on the Western Harbour plans and streets need to be safer for children travelling to school.

Booth said: “As an independent voice in Bristol for many years, I hope that my journalism, writing and mentoring has already made a small difference to our local area and our wider city. But I don’t want to be shouting from the sidelines forever.

“I want to make a tangible difference inside City Hall, representing my community within the Hotwells & Harbourside ward that I call home.

“It will be an enormous challenge to win this by-election against the weight of party machines who no doubt will throw the proverbial kitchen sink at this ward. But I hope that my independence can be a strength.”

Bristol City Council was asked when the by-election would be held.

Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol

Main photo: Anna Woolerton

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