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Green Councillor for Clifton Down, Clive Stevens, will be retiring from his position in two weeks’ time, due to ill health.
Originally planning to step down at the local elections in May 2020, Clive has continued in the role following their postponement due to COVID-19. He has worked tirelessly throughout the UK’s multiple lockdowns but will now be resigning as Councillor effective from 7th February, in order to look after his health.
Leader of the Green Group, Cllr. Eleanor Combley, said “Clive has been a real asset to the Green Councillor Group, to the Council, and to the city, in the nearly 5 years he has spent as a Councillor. He has gained a reputation as a powerful voice for transparency and scrutiny who is known for asking tough but constructive questions to council officers and the administration, and for his dedication to making the Council a more effective and transparent organisation. After two years of chairing the Council’s Budget Task and Finish group, its processes are now considered an example of best practice nationally. Clive also notably spent weeks producing a detailed report on the payoff of former city council chief executive, Anna Klonowski, in an effort to ensure the Council learns from past mistakes.
“Clive demonstrated his dedication to compassionate Green values throughout his time on the Council – whether working with community groups to defeat plans for a polluting gas plant next to a nursery school, his years of cross party work to change housing policy to tackle the housing crisis, or by fighting for more housing for adults with disabilities.
“His understanding of economics also made him an effective opponent of austerity. When the Labour administration was proposing cuts to Bristol’s vital council tax reduction scheme, it was Clive who did the maths to show that this cut would result in more long-term costs for the Council.
“I’m sorry to see him leave, but even more grateful for all the amazing work he has done. I’m sure local residents in Clifton Down will want to join me in thanking him for his hard work on their behalf, and wish him a full and rapid recovery.”
Tom Hathway, a Green Party activist in Clifton Down who has been chosen as the candidate to replace Clive in the next election, added, “Clive’s are big shoes to fill, but I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside him over the last few years. He has been generous in taking the time to introduce me to residents’ groups and get me up to speed with ongoing issues. I am ready to work with Cllr Carla Denyer for the people of Clifton Down. I have really enjoyed campaigning alongside Clive, and I hope he will soon be feeling better.”