Bristol mayoral referendum result expected this afternoon as count gets under way

“@green_man

"Perhaps we should make voting compulsory ? I'd be happy to see this, provided ballot papers had a box with 'none of the above' where voters could put their cross. As it is people are entitled not to vote and that's our democracy - though problems of legitimacy must arise as the numbers voting fall."

Just for once, I totally agree with you. I believe that this is the case in Australia.

A petition for a "none of the above" box was rejected on the grounds that it would lead to "contempt for democracy". You really couldn't make it up...”

“Perhaps we should make voting compulsory ? I'd be happy to see this, provided ballot papers had a box with 'none of the above' where voters could put their cross. As it is people are entitled not to vote and that's our democracy - though problems of legitimacy must arise as the numbers voting fall.”

“Total waste of time until we get a mayor for the whole of Bristol including the bits currently ubnder the control of North and South Dibley.”

“@FishpondsMan - I think its a sad day for democracy because:
a) Only 13% voted for it
b) Individual councillors cant pass anything in the chamber without 2/3 of it backing it, The Mayor only needs a simple majority to pass stuff
c) The Mayor is a centralised figure, thereby undermining the local relationship of the councillor and people in the ward... local voices are more likely to be ignored by a centralised figure which is a bad thing in a democracy

However, I do agree with a lot of what you say regarding the Council and audits etc... and if it works out well, then thats great. My main worry is that local representation will be undermined, so they need to make it work. I hope. Still fascinated to see what happens now.”

“@avonside40 Everyone in bristol had a vote so don't start it was a 23% turnout and is that fair line.

@richard34 spot on, we get to vote in a mayor in november and it is up to get it right.”

“by Commenter42Friday,
"If the "Yes" vote rumour is true, then it's a sad day for on-going local democracy."

How is it a sad day for democracy? the current Lib Dem administration are as far from democratic as possible. The voting system has been rigged by Lib Dem/Labour to make it very hard to vote them out.

Democratic? my local Lib Dem councillor voted to both sell of green spaces and the dreaded GBBN when the massive majority of the area wanted neither. He voted on petty Lib Dem party lines where's the democracy there?

Bristol City Council have themselves to blame with an outrageous NO campaign fuelled with lies and half truths. Bristol City Council don't do things for the good of Bristol, BCC do things for the good of ......BCC.

Lets hope for a full audit, looking forward to seeing what underhand 'deal' BCC have with their preferred contractor.”

“53% of a 23% turnout of Bristolians said "Yes, we want an elected mayor". So, 12% of the voting population. Hardly a mandate for change, is it? On the other hand, as we are now the only city to say Yes then does that mean we get first dibs on ANY government money (as was promised during the campaign)? I won't hold my breath...”

“waste of money, waste of time and 13 % voted for it.... I cant see the Mayor in Bristol will change anything really as the role has no increased powers whatsover. However I do agree it will be more of a figure head role, and celebrity politics will enter the fray (though that can be a bad thing). And I'm worried that it undermines local representation via the wards through a centralised figure. Still, I'm intrigued about how it will work out.”

“Actually, it will be great news if we are the only city to elect a mayor, because all those other cities who would have been competing with us will now all be "also rans" and all the riches will come to us. Now, lets see if that happens. I'll lay odds it will not!”

“YES! YES! YES! and BLOODY YES!”