Mud begins to fly in race to become Bristol's elected mayor
THE mud has begun to fly in the race to become Bristol's first elected mayor.
Architect George Ferguson has been accused of political expediency for withdrawing his membership from the Liberal Democrat party shortly before announcing he would stand as an independent candidate.
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Darren Lewis
But Mr Ferguson, who launched his election campaign earlier this week, retorted by saying it was precisely this type of party politics which had done so much damage to the city for too many years.
Darren Lewis, chairman of Bristol Labour Party, said: "To me and a lot of others, it seems the only reason he chose to resign was due to political expediency. He stayed with the Liberal Democrat party when they were riding high in the polls, he stayed with them through thick and thin – until, in fact, he decided to stand for public office."
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Mr Lewis said Mr Ferguson did not resign over the axing of the Child Trust Fund, tuition fees, the future of the NHS or local government cuts.
"The only reason that made him resign was simply because he knew the Liberal Democrats are not going to win this election."
Mr Ferguson, 65, who was the city's first Liberal councillor in the 1970s and stool as a Liberal candidate in two general elections in the 1980s, said he has not been actively engaged in party politics for 25 years.
He said: "Everyone knows that I am my own person. I'm a member of lots of things but I'm as independent as they come. These remarks are typical example of playing the party game and I am not prepared to do that."
Comments
by soulsurfer999
Saturday, June 09 2012, 11:42AM
“Banksy wouldn't sling any mud if he was mayor.
http://tinyurl.com/czhokl6”
by artglad
Sunday, May 27 2012, 7:23AM
“Now that Bristol has to have a mayor, would it be sensible to elect someone that would try to curb the antics of businessman George Ferguson and his ilk , that have far to much influence in the politics of Bristol , without any mandate?”
by KBillies
Wednesday, May 23 2012, 8:03PM
“Darren Lewis loves to be disliked by his opponents, the trouble is it seems genuine and not just political rivalry.
There are some sterling people in Labour like Mark Bradshaw, but they remain so split.”
by SextonsNose
Wednesday, May 23 2012, 10:22AM
“If there is mud, there is usually Darren Lewis. Bristol's very own Norman Tebbit.”
by Buck_Jones
Tuesday, May 22 2012, 11:58PM
“the mud has only just started flying and we only seem to have one candidate. When is Mickey Mouse going to declare his candidancy.”
by KBillies
Tuesday, May 22 2012, 8:53PM
“Brizz Tony you are right, George seems the main man here”
by Brizz_Tony
Tuesday, May 22 2012, 8:24PM
“He's dead right on one point - party politics has choked this city for long enough. I will not vote for any candidate who has a party name or logo in his / her bumff.”
by KBillies
Tuesday, May 22 2012, 8:22PM
“Looks like George is the only serious candidate so far”
by Romanovich
Tuesday, May 22 2012, 8:15PM
“George Ferguson is in it for George not the City of Bristol, one only has to consider the debacle of the proposed Ashton Gate Sainsbury's.
Would a stadium improve Bristol? - Yes.
In a double dip recession would Bristol have been improved by a private individual putting up the best part of £100m - Yes .
Did George see the bigger picture - No
His only concern appear the green clique in North street who frequent his premises.”
by KBillies
Tuesday, May 22 2012, 7:28PM
“Mikey Blake speaks good sense and George Ferguson is looking a very impressive candidate.”