Labour contender now favourite
LABOUR'S Marvin Rees, pictured, has emerged as the new favourite to become Bristol's first elected mayor.
He has nudged architect George Ferguson, who is standing as an independent, into second place.
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Mr Rees, 40, who works as a programme manager in public health for the NHS, is offered by Ladbrokes at 4/5 while Mr Ferguson, 65, remains at 2/1.
The race for the new job to become a figurehead to lead the city now appears to be between these two.
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The current Lib Dem council leader Simon Cook trails in third place with odds of 12/1 although his party has yet to announce their candidate.
The Tories are also still going through the process of picking a candidate although Bristol Tory leader Peter Abraham is quoted at 16/1.
Mr Rees said he took no notice of betting odds. He said: "To me, it comes down to the election process – it doesn't mean much to me that I'm the bookies' favourite."
Meanwhile, Mr Ferguson has already begun posting election leaflets through hundreds of Bristol homes, urging people to vote for him in the mayoral election on November 15.
He starts a week-long citywide push on Sunday and has organised an event at Temple Meads on July 4.
Mr Ferguson says on his Bristol 1st website: "Labour have selected a candidate so we now know who we have to beat."
Other odds include Easton businessman Abdul Malik, a former Lib Dem councillor who hopes to win his party's nomination at 16/1 and former Tory Councillor Spud Murphy at 33/1. Bristol businessman Andy Thorne, another independent, also fetches 33/1 while the Respect Party's Paulette North is at 50/1.
Comments
by patcrose
Friday, June 29 2012, 10:25AM
“Anyone working for the local health authority that loses money hand over fist and has no idea on running a business gets my vote ! After all that is a Bristol City Council tradition.”
by ceembee
Thursday, June 28 2012, 8:13PM
“No odds quoted for the numpty from the State Educated Party - there's a surprise eh Craig? I see it's Ladbrooks quoting so can only assume they're drumming up business. We need a mayor who is not tainted by political allegiences even if they have resigned from the Lib Dems. We need someone properly independent with clear and cohesive plans to move this wonderful city forwards to the benefit of all who live here. Someone who is not afraid to bang heads and also does not have one eye on the next election. Where is this paragon? Well they're not on this list.”
by Spiggett
Thursday, June 28 2012, 4:22PM
“Thanks for the link -so George Ferguson is for more "Cycle City"? -That will decide a lot of votes instantly...”
by charliecycle
Thursday, June 28 2012, 2:58PM
“Life Cycle are hoping to interview serious candidates for their views on cycling. George Ferguson has responded and his ansers can be seen at
http://tinyurl.com/8x2w857
We have also contacted Marvin Rees”
by Spiggett
Thursday, June 28 2012, 11:52AM
“-Can we have some policies, not personalities please?”
by FromMendip
Thursday, June 28 2012, 11:50AM
“I don't care for some of George Ferguson's pronouncements such as opposition to the Ashton Vale stadium or opposition to the expansion of Bristol Airport, but I recognise that he cares passionately about the city and does have a track record of a successful businessman.
Marvin Rees, on the other hand, seems to come from a background of theory and a laudable wish for a more equal society. He talks about a living wage for everyone, better child-care provision and apprenticeships. What he doesn't say is how he will attract employers and inward investment to the city so that these praiseworthy aims might have a chance of being achieved.
I've watched his 3-minute video elsewhere on 'This Is Bristol' and it told me nothing. It was merely a succession of nebulous sound bites.
I had hoped for higher quality candidates than these two but I'm not surprised that so far none has stepped forward. I will be astounded if one does but there is always hope......................”
by Joke_Bristol
Thursday, June 28 2012, 9:55AM
“This man has not said a single clear word about what he would do to improve Bristol and I suspect he never will. He would be used as some sort of figurehead for a weak and pathetic Labour party who would dicate what he did and said if it was of benefit to us all or not. We have the chance to vote for someone who is not a mouthpiece for the jaded, bloated and self-interested 'main three' parties and we should jump at this chance by electing the best independent candidate for the job.”
by Tody123
Thursday, June 28 2012, 8:38AM
“Mr Rees said he took no notice of betting odds. He said: "To me, it comes down to the tie selection process – please dont take my photograph today, my bloody wife chose this tie, and I have told her countless times not to choose dark colours, i'm going to call her and teach her a lesson"”
by Tody123
Thursday, June 28 2012, 8:34AM
“Rees is not a big enough name. He is a candidate for the minority vote who want to do things like change the name of Colston Hall.
The other 95% of voters want a big hitter who can make a real difference .”
by dicktator
Thursday, June 28 2012, 8:01AM
“Promoting odds on candidates is very strange when we do not know even know who all the candidates are yet, and in particular their aims and objectives.
Surely we need a mayor who can run a big business, for that is what the Council is, making sure hard working Council tax payers get proper value for money from the staff and suppliers.”