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Green Party announce full slate of candidates for local elections

Local Democracy

07.03.24

Meet the candidates (. x mm)
The Green Party has released a full slate of candidates standing in the local elections in May. There are candidates for all 70 council seats across 34 wards [1].
 
Following the 2021 local elections and winning the two most recent by-elections the Green group is the largest group on the council with 25 councillors [2][3]. Over 80% of current councillors are re-standing to continue representing their wards. Due to the outgoing mayoral system, the Greens are currently in opposition but are looking forward to partaking in the more democratic committee system following this election. 
 
Cllr Emma Edwards, who is the Leader of the Green Group on Bristol City Council, said:
 
“I am incredibly proud of what the Group has achieved over the past three years, holding the administration to account and working tirelessly for the residents of Bristol. But we are just getting started. 
 
“As an experienced group of councillors and an incredibly impressive slate of candidates, we are busy preparing for a new committee-led administration and our manifesto for the city. 
 

“A Green-led administration will be more collaborative and puts communities at the centre of all decision-making.”

 
Cllr Lorraine Francis, who is re-standing in Eastville and works as a social worker specialising in mental health for the NHS said:
 
“For the last few years I have been working hard as a councillor for Eastville. I am proud of the connections I have made with residents and how we have tried to resolve their personal and local issues.
 
“I am especially proud of the winter coat scheme I set up, where vulnerable people have benefited, and the money raised for life-saving defibrillators in the area.
 
“Working hard for and with the people of Eastville has been an honour, and I hope I will be able to continue my work with the community come May.”
 
 
Sibusiso Tshabalala is standing in the Central ward. Since moving to Bristol in 2008 he has immersed himself in community and enterprise development. He said:
 
“As a parent who has faced eviction, I’m passionate about advocating for council tenants on the Bristol City Council Housing Management Board. 
 
“My experiences with stop and search have led me to become a trained restorative justice facilitator and custody visitor mediating various community and school conflicts. Running for council enables me to champion social justice issues that deeply impact our community.”
 
Jo Sergeant, former Labour councillor, is standing in Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston. She said:
 

“I thought, as a Labour Councillor, I could make a real difference. Unfortunately, the direction the party was going both locally and nationally made me feel alienated.

 
“The election of Keir Starmer and subsequent watering down of Labour policies, showed me I was in the wrong party. I was happy to join the Green Party in 2021. It is a more democratic, more positive and more progressive party.”
 
Abi Finch, who has a background in scientific research and now works in the circular economy, will be standing in St George Central. She said:
 

“I’m standing to be councillor because I love the area and want to work hard to make it a cleaner, greener and safer place for everyone who lives there. As a young woman I also hope to bring fresh energy, ideas and enthusiasm to Bristol City Council.”

 
Notes:
  1. Full list of candidates available on request

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Ed Plowden

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Cllr Ed Plowden is the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee

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Emma Edwards

Councillor for Bishopston & Ashley Down

Cllr Emma Edwards is the Leader of the Green Group on Bristol City Council

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Abi Finch

Councillor for St George Central

Councillor Abi Finch is the Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee

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Sibusiso Tshabalala

Councillor for Central

Sibusiso Tshabalala’s story is one of resilience and leadership. Once in temporary accommodation, he built a stable home for his young family and now uses that lived experience to shape housing policy ensuring social housing residents achieve better outcomes and services.

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