Rumours that George Ferguson has more than 50 per cent of mayor vote

“George well done.

I am so glad he did.

Its in the interest of the City.”

“"Congrats to the newly elected Mayor of Bristol City Mr George Ferguson. Now election is over and we all are looking at how the new Mayor delivers his promises. Good wishes."

Tom Aditya”

“Congrats to the newly elected Mayor of Bristol City Mr George Ferguson. Now election is over and we all are looking at how the new Mayor delivers his promises. Good wishes.”

“Interesting that even with the second preference system, George still didn't get 50% of votes. Nearly 4,000 votes from the eliminated candidates didn't specify 2nd choice. And with most people not voting it feels like 'none of the above' won. Let's have a better, clearer system next time. But get on with it now George, hope the party machines don't obstruct your ideas and efforts.”

“I can't see Marvin Rees overcoming a 5500 deficit in the second round. And if he does lose it will be as much to do with his lack of previous experience as anything else. Being a Mayor is a huge job and without experience of running a business or of being a local councillor, he could have been overwhelmed. He wasn't a good choice by Labour, but perhaps if he gets elected as a councillor next year, his next attempt might be more successful.”

“---"by stayclassy: "A rich old man wins and a poor young black man loses...So much for progress."---

Pathetic. First, as has been said, Rees is not poor, he's wealthy. Second, Ferguson is not old at 65 and always seems youthful. But the main point is why would we want a "poor young black man" just for the progressive sake of it? We want someone with experience who is capable of running a £1 billion budget. Typical Left-wing, Socialist comment, and ageist to boot.”

“With around 5,500 difference between George and Marvin, there is all to play for with the approx 20,000 second preference votes of Con, Lib and Green. Con prob went for George, Green either Lib or independent (incl George) and Lib well anyone's guess. Some of the eliminated independents also backed George ahead of the vote which may sway their teams. Result around 3.40pm. I do hope it's an independent future for Bristol after decades of miserable party squabbles and getting nothing done.”

“In Australia it's mandatory to vote - there can be no arguments about engagement and mandate with that approach.”

“@brennus

Oh I agree.. But that is vote apathy and it runs deep in this country as everyone now expects to have everything done for them. Just because people don't engage in democracy doesn't mean it isn't working. Least we have a say, unlike the Chinese his week who had the next 7 leaders chosen for them for the next 10 years. Would rather have a few people vote and decide than none.”

“Part of the apathy is surely down to the fact no one is really sure what effect a mayor will have on Bristol. After this first 4 (or is it 5) year term we will have a much better understanding of the powers and we will see if things have changed for the better (or worse), therefore for the next mayoral election you would hope the turn out would be a lot higher. The PCC is another matter entirely, though if you are voting for a mayor most would also vote for a PCC whilst they are at it.

As for comparing union ballots to election turnouts. Everyone has a choice to vote or not in an election, if you don't then that's your choice so don't moan about the outcome, but in a union ballot only a select few are allowed (members obviously) to vote and even fewer actually bother therefore a very small number of people can disrupt and effect the lives of a great many people.”