Call to scrap Bristol’s mayoral system voted down

Bristol’s Tory group leader Mark Weston slammed what he claims is an “undemocratic” system as he called for the mayoral model to be abolished.

The Conservatives have joined the Lib Dems in campaigning for an end to a structure of governance they say is disempowering the people it is meant to represent.

But they failed to get the backing of the majority in the council chamber on Tuesday, when a motion calling for the directly-elected role to be scrapped as soon as possible was voted down.

Defending the system that was brought in following a referendum in 2012, Labour councillors argued the current leadership under mayor Marvin Rees is exactly what the city needs, accusing the opposition parties of wanting Bristol to go back to “punching below its weight”.

………………………………

Bristol24/7 relies on your support to fund our independent journalism and social impact projects. Become a member and enjoy exclusive perks from just £5 per month.

………………………………

Proposing the motion at City Hall, Weston admitted his initial avid support for the chance to embrace a new form of governance in 2012, when Bristol was stuck in political stalemate and lacked stability or leadership.

But he has since changed his mind. “The mayoral model has highlighted flaws in its arrangements, particularly with reference to checks and balances,” said Weston.

He argued there is a lack of any real checks and balances to the power of the mayor, saying: “Even if 100 per cent of councillors vote against something, the mayor can still proceed. This does not happen in any other democratic system.

“We need to look again at the model of governance because there is no checks and balances. I think this council should put it back to the public.”

Tory councillors stressed the motion is not about individual mayors but the system as a whole.

Mark Weston argues the mayoral system is undemocratic

The motion was arguably premature anyway as, under current legislation, the earliest a referendum can be held on the matter is in 2022.

The Conservative and Lib Dem groups are fielding candidates in the May 2020 mayoral elections, both on a ticket to scrap the role at the earliest opportunity.

At the full council meeting on Tuesday, the Lib Dems failed to get through an amendment to the motion – essentially pointing out it was the Tories who got the city into the situation in the first place – but backed the sentiments nevertheless.

Mark Wright, a Lib Dem councillor for Hotwells & Harbourside, argued decisive leadership isn’t a key goal, pointing out North Korea has decisive leadership.

“What matters is empowerment of our communities,” he told the chamber.

“The reality is that this has failed under this system – they are less empowered than they have ever been and that’s why the system needs to be changed as soon as possible.”

Gill Kirk, a Labour councillor for Lockleaze, said Rees’ drive to build mixed housing developments is empowering communities.

“Marvin has based his leadership on strategic thinking to achieve lasting change,” she said.

“His long-term goals are driven by a commitment to inclusion and social justice. That means he can work in collaboration with others; whether with other Core Cities, on a world stage, or with city partners to shape the future of our city and reduce social and economic inequalities.”

Fabian Breckels, a Labour councillor for St George (Troopers Hill), suggested the Tories and Lib Dems want to scrap the position simply because they cannot win it. He argued it is better the city’s leader is directly elected by the people rather than chosen by the majority party group.

Breckels added: “The question is are we ambitious for Bristol? Do we want our city on a global map getting stuff done, or just retreat back to being another backwater invisible on the international stage.

“Conservatives and Lib Dems it seems want Bristol to punch below its weight.”

Weston retaliated, saying other cities manage to get things done and have a presence on the world stage without a mayoral system.

Green councillors spoke out against the call to scrap the mayoral system despite campaigning against the model in the first place.

Group leader Eleanor Combley said: “Greens would like to make many changes to make our politics more democratic. We would replace first past the post with a proportional system, in which every vote matters and people can vote for what they believe in.

“However, we stand for election under the system that exists and work hard within it wherever we do get elected.

“In the same way, we will be standing a candidate for the mayoral election, and we will be setting out the positive Green vision for how Bristol could be better for all of us.”

The motion was lost, with 21 councillors voting for it, 30 against and eight abstaining.

Read more: Tories join calls to scrap Bristol’s mayoral system