Greens victory in crucial Bristol by election
The Green Party remain the largest single group on Bristol City Council after winning a by-election in the city.
The win has fuelled hopes the party can win a parliamentary seat in the city at the next General Election.
Green Party candidate James Crawford won the over 50 per cent of the vote in Bishopston and Ashley Down by election.
Labour Party candidate Andrew Milton received 38 per cent of the vote.
The total number of votes cast was 2,576, a turnout of 29 per cent. The Conservatives came fourth in the election with just 91 votes.
James Crawford said: “I am honoured that residents have voted for me as the new councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down. Being a councillor is a big responsibility, and I will be working hard between now and the citywide elections next year to show that their trust in me is deserved.”
This is the second by-election in a row the Green Party have won, following victory in Hotwells & Harbourside earlier this year.
James added: “Today, residents have shown that together we are stronger than Labour’s disappointing attempts to divide and play politics. Ultimately, they have backed the continued hard work and achievements of Green Councillors in Bishopston and Ashley Down and across the city.
“This election shows yet again that Bristolians are looking for change in the way that their city is run, voting for a party which does politics differently, and I’m ever more confident that they’ll elect a Green MP at the next General Election. I am truly excited to take part in building a fairer, kinder, greener Bristol which puts people at the heart of every decision.”
The Bishopston & Ashley Down by-election was held following the resignation of Green councillor Lily Fitzgibbon.
As a result the Green Party are still the largest party on the City Council with 25 councillors in Bristol while Labour has 24.
An election is being held next year when the role of City Mayor will cease to exist and the council will return a cabinet system.
The Green Party are hoping to take full control of the council when the current mayor Labour’s Marvin Rees steps down from his role.
