News / Politics
Labour councillor ‘extremely disappointed’ to lose job in reshuffle
A Labour councillor has said she is “extremely disappointed” to have lost her job as a committee vice chair in a reshuffle by her party.
It is a rare open display of dissent among the Labour ranks in Bristol, who usually keep any disagreements behind closed doors.
The demotion of Emily Clarke has been called “a strange decision” by Clarke’s fellow Labour councillor Kaz Self; while Labour mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, also said she was “really disappointed”.
Bedminster councillor Clarke was previously vice chair of the public health & communities policy at City Hall but has been replaced by Bristol Labour group deputy leader, Carole Johnson.
A message from Clarke to the Labour councillors WhatsApp group seen by Bristol24/7 reveals that she first found out about her likely demotion from a councillor from another party, calling the news “extremely gutting”.
“I don’t believe that is the way things should be done,” wrote Clarke to the WhatsApp group, adding that she wanted to stay in the role and was told her removal was due to the fact she had not submitted a statement to the Labour group’s AGM in order to reapply for the position of vice-chair.
She added: “I’m very disappointed that I’m being told this was my own fault. I’m really upset about how this has been handled.”
Emily Clarke (holding a candle) and her fellow Labour councillors in 2025 – photo: Labour Party
Writing on LinkedIn, Clarke, senior legal adviser at the Office for Students, said: “I am extremely disappointed to learn that I have been relieved of my duties as Vice Chair of the Public Health and Communities policy committee on Bristol City Council due to a Labour Group reshuffle.
“The Public Health and Communities policy committee is such an important committee that impacts people’s lives on a daily basis.
“I have worked collaboratively to make decisions in line with my Labour values.
“I am proud to have protected funding for voluntary sector organisations, worked to improve safety for women and girls, and to increase participation in sport and physical activity.
“It has been a pleasure to work closely with politicians, officers and organisations on some of the most important challenges we face.
“We’re lucky in Bristol to have so many amazing organisations who make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people.
“We also have some fantastic officers at Bristol City Council who I’ll miss speaking to each week.
“Putting political differences aside, I have also learnt a lot from Stephen Williams as chair and thank him for his support.
“I think it’s really important that all political parties have people who are willing to challenge decisions and put residents first.
“I’ll continue to do this in my role as ward councillor for Bedminster over the next two years.”
Carole Johnson has represented Horfield since winning a by-election in July 2024 – photo: Betty Woolerton
Labour have enough councillors at City Hall to be able to chair two policy committees but they choose not to take up this allocation meaning that the Liberal Democrats chair two committees despite having only eight councillors compared to 20 Labour members.
Chairs of policy committees get an extra £26,469 and vice chairs receive £8,824 on top of the annual councillor allowance of £17,645.
As well as Johnson’s new role, Brislington East councillor Tim Rippington has been appointed vice chair of the transport & connectivity policy committee, replacing Hillfields councillor Kelvin Blake.
Within Bristol’s Labour group, an expression of interest process takes place where councillors need to put themselves forward to sit on any committees.
If Labour councillors want to hold leadership positions on a committee, sub-committee or regulatory committee, they must provide a statement to group leader Tom Renhard who then makes the final decision.
Renhard said: “I am pleased to welcome Carole Johnson and Tim Rippington, two of the Labour group’s most experienced councillors, to their new roles.
“With Carole and Tim taking up leadership positions, we are well-placed to ensure the Labour group will continue to hold the Green-led administration to account and advocate for the priorities of local residents.
“I’d also like to thank councillors Emily Clarke and Kelvin Blake for their work in their respective portfolios over the last two years.
“Both will continue to play important roles in the planned work on their committees, along with speaking up for the residents of Bedminster and Hillfields respectively.”
Tim Rippington has represented Brislington East since 2020 – photo: Bristol City Council
Bristol’s Green group have also made several changes to their committee roles, with Abi Finch taking over from Martin Fodor as chair of the environment & sustainability committee; and Serena Ralston replacing Rob Bryher as chair of planning committee A.
The Greens currently chair six of eight policy committees, as well as several sub-committees; with senior roles on committees voted for by Bristol’s 34 Green councillors at internal elections.
Green council leader, Tony Dyer, said: “I would like to thank Rob and Martin for their hard work over the last few years.
“The Local Government Association recently found that the committee system is ‘showing signs of maturity’, in no small part due to their hard work alongside all the chairs, whose leadership was also praised for its purpose and authenticity.
“Looking ahead, I am extremely excited to be working alongside Abi and Serena, two talented councillors who bring a wealth of experience that will help us to continue to deliver positive and equitable outcomes for Bristol.”
Main photo: Labour Party
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