Deputy mayor Asher Craig latest cabinet member not to seek re-election

Asher Craig has become the latest cabinet member to announce they will not be standing for reelection.

The Labour councillor and deputy mayor has represented St George West since 2016, and was put in charge of Children’s Services, Education and Equalities by Marvin Rees in 2021

Her decision not to stand will make her the fourth cabinet member confirmed to be leaving City Hall in 2024.

So far deputy mayor Craig Cheney, cabinet member Nicola Beech, Labour group leader Steve Pearce and councillor Helen Holland have all announced they will not be standing for reelection in May 2024.

Craig said it had been “an absolute pleasure” to represent her constituency, and work alongside the mayor.

Asher will be replaced by school teacher, social worker and magistrates, Carol Johnson – photo: Bristol Labour

“I’ve loved working with our community to make positive change, like securing funding for the Beehive Centre, the Community Centre, and for renovating the lake in St George’s Park.

“Likewise, I have hugely enjoyed working alongside Marvin in city leadership. Every time I walk past Hope Rise, where at-risk young people now have their own home, I will be proud of the part I played in making that a reality.

“Equally, the Stepping Up programme Marvin and I worked on has made a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of people from minority communities across Bristol.”

Craig was one of the first intake of girls at Cotham Grammar School, as one of two black girls among some 1,000 white boys, where she experienced racism for the first time.

“I look forward to working with Carole on making the most out of the new East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial, which will make St George’s streets safer and more welcoming, and working with her to get even more investment for our community,” she added.

Asher has come under fire in recent years for her proposals to close public toilets and libraries, pull funding from parks and her involvement in the SEND scandal.

Craig will be replaced by magistrate, schoolteacher, and social worker Carole Johnson.

A former council worker, Johnson has lived in St George for over 25 years, and her children attend local schools in the area.

She is the first ever Bristol magistrate of Afro Caribbean descent, and has served as deputy bench chairman for Avon and Somerset.

“I have a lot of experience that I can bring to St George West,” she said.

“I have had the privilege of serving as both a primary school governor for four different schools and also as hospital governor for University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.”

“I am passionate about creating and supporting the changes locally that we all need, to produce the quality-of-life residents of St George West deserve.

Councillor Fabian Breckels will remain as Labour’s candidate for St George Troopers Hill – photo: Bristol Labour Group

Johsnons said if she is elected, she would continue Craig’s work in tackling important issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, education and the lack of affordable housing.

Councillor Fabian Breckels will remain as Labour’s candidate for St George Troopers Hill.

Fabian was first elected to St George East in 2007, representing the area until the boundary review in 2016. Following a review, he has been elected as councillor for St George Troopers Hill since.

Main photo: Labour Party

Read next:

• Breakfast with Bristol24/7: Asher Craig
• Another cabinet member to leave City Hall
• Independent investigation into council’s surveillance of SEND families

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