Greens select by-election candidate in the bid to remain the largest group on the council

Bristol City Council have announced that the by-election in Bishopton and Ashley Down will take place on Thursday 24 August 2023 [1]. This comes after Green Councillor, Lily Fitzgibbon, stepped down as she is moving out of the area to live closer to her family.

The Green Party have announced their candidate as local campaigner, James Crawford.

James said:

“I grew up in Bishopston and went to Bishop Road Primary School, so I am very familiar with the area, its best bits and its issues! I am running to be a councillor because I love Bishopston and Bristol and want to see the area and the city thrive.”

“I hope to become a voice which local people can trust to represent their issues, so that Bishopston can remain a fantastic place for residents to live.”

Emma Edwards, councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down and Leader of the Green Group on the council said:

“I am delighted James has been chosen as the candidate for the Bishopston and Ashley Down by-election. James works hard and has already been helping to report issues in the area and speaking to residents about traffic concerns.”

“His knowledge about energy and transport is really thorough and I really look forward to working with him as a colleague.”

The Greens became the largest group on the council, with 25 councillors to Labour’s 24, after the election of Patrick McAllister in February [2].

Bristol Green Party feel strongly that James Crawford will be an excellent addition to the team, continuing Lily’s important work in the community.

Notes

1.

Bishopston and Ashley Down by-election (bristol.gov.uk)

2.

Political makeup of Bristol City Council – https://www.bristol.gov.uk/council-and-mayor/councillors-and-the-lord-mayor/political-makeup-of-the-council

Green Party are the largest group on the council but are not yet in administration due to the mayoral system.