Bristol's Conservative Party urge voters to say 'yes' to Bristol mayor
BRISTOL'S Conservative Party has launched its own leaflet about the elected mayor – encouraging people to say "yes".
The group is backing the idea of a directly elected mayor for the city, arguing a new, more stable form of leadership is needed to address Bristol's shortcomings.
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Conservative Leader Councillor Peter Abraham, left, launching the Tory vote 'Yes' leaflet with, from left, party agent Mark Merchant, Councillor Lesley Alexander and Councillor David Morris Picture: Chas Breton
The leaflet was launched by group leader Councillor Peter Abraham at College Green yesterday.
Their message lists three reasons why people should vote for change in the referendum on May 3.
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The Tories say a city mayor would provide much stronger leadership, have a higher national and international profile and possess a genuine mandate to get things done.
It's also fair to say that with the party in third place on the city council, an elected mayor is their best chance for grabbing power.
Mr Abraham said: "Aside from the key persuasive reasons for voting yes given in our doorstep leaflet, government has already promised that city mayors will be granted extra powers and enjoy unprecedented access to decision-makers on a national stage."
Comments
by StripeyJumper
Friday, April 20 2012, 1:01PM
“Yes, yes yes!”
by green_man
Friday, April 20 2012, 10:29AM
“If you are going to reorganise local government eg having an Elected Mayors in cities, it makes little sense to add in another layer of politicians and associated bureaucrats - should take the opportunity to rationalise instead. It alos makes little sense in the Bristol area to restrict the area governed strictly to that currently run by Bristol City Council - so why not take a bit longer and reorganise properly? Not spelling out exactly what additional powers and additional money available leaves voters not knowing fully what they are voting for. Sounds like a very bad deal to me.”
by BarryW
Friday, April 20 2012, 10:01AM
“Bristol gets the Councillors they elect, and if they have an elected Mayor, who will they get, unmovable for four years.
Be very afraid of those elected by Bristolians”
by Hipocrite
Thursday, April 19 2012, 9:35PM
“Forgeting all the political issues, I just look at the principle of the referendum. ie: Vote YES to get a sort of dictatorship. Vote NO to get a sort of democracy ?”
by DM_Fishponds
Thursday, April 19 2012, 11:02AM
“@BrentryEd - "An Elected Mayor costs too much: end of story."
BUT . . . Look how much the LibDem Council has cost us.
Do you want someone you directly elected to run Bristol?
Or the 'political wing of First Bus' (a.k.a. the LibDems)?”
by Commenter42
Wednesday, April 18 2012, 8:20PM
“CONservatives in favour? No other reason needed to vote against it.”
by nogbutt
Wednesday, April 18 2012, 2:37PM
“it's the art of the possible, hedgehog.”
by BrentryEd
Wednesday, April 18 2012, 2:33PM
“Look at page 7 of the referendum leaflet, and you find that an elected mayor will cost more.
I've enough bills, and the Granny Tax will likely cost me another £1000 a year - so NO!”
by PJ1979
Wednesday, April 18 2012, 12:55PM
“@SpinyHedgehog
I support your Mayor for the whole of bristol stance, unfortunatly that is not on offer. I don't see how a No vote helps towards that objective.
Looking at whats emerging from Government, the Local Economic Partnership is currently amassing a role in co-ordinating infrastructure funding and Local authoritieis are starting to devolve powers to neighbourhood partnerships. Reading between the lines the direction of travel is more power at neighbourhood level and more power for the LEP and mayor at city region level. I can see the Local authorities in the middle.
For me, even if the Mayor is just for BCC the others will want to talk to him/her if they have access to devolved financial powers and funding to get things done, so a Yes vote could still result in a more strategic view of the City and leading to the big, transport leisure projects getting done.”
by SpinyHedgehog
Wednesday, April 18 2012, 11:31AM
“@PJ1979
I think you miss the real self interest here - most politicians want a Mayor because that's one more well-paid job for a politician.
I'm happy to have a mayor for the WHOLE of Bristol. Until we get that, I'm voting No.”