News / Politics
Conservatives reveal their Bristol mayor candidate
A charity campaigner and communication specialist has been selected as the Conservative candidate to be the next mayor of Bristol.
Samuel Williams is the final challenger from the main parties to announce their candidacy for the election in May 2020.
Williams says that he is keen to boost Bristol’s position as a world leader in technology, innovation, culture, the arts and environmental issues.
is needed now More than ever
His priorities include building more homes, increasing school standards, improving air quality and tackling homelessness, ensuring Bristol is fit for the future.
………………………………
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.
………………………………
The other confirmed candidates that Williams will be standing against are incumbent mayor Marvin Rees of the Labour Party, Mary Page from the Lib Dems and the Greens’ Sandy Hore-Ruthven.
He said: “Bristol needs a fresh start with fresh ideas. We simply cannot afford to go on as we are sinking more and more money into vanity projects such as the energy company or frittering it away on pie-in-the-sky ideas such as an underground.
“We shouldn’t be spending more and more money on council communications or the Mayor’s Office while threatening libraries and cutting support for parks and sports clubs.
“I want Bristol to thrive as a dynamic place to live in which all parts of our city, be they centre or suburb, feel listened to and catered for.
“Too many residents feel ignored by this Mayor and that needs to change.”
Samuel Williams was chosen by local Conservative members at a selection meeting at Redmaids’ High School in Westbury-on-Trym on Thursday evening
Williams is director of Hodos Consultancy Co, a communication specialist. He is also UK and Ireland manager of Christian Aid’s Salt Business Network, which encourages business leaders to work together to bring positive change and eradicate poverty.
As chairman of Global Aware Bristol, he encourages faith groups to engage with international development and environmental issues.
He has previously worked as South West regional lead for education charity TLG, head of speaker development and training for TEDxBristol, and an adviser on further education and minority ethnic concerns for the Diocese of Bristol.
Read more: Tories join call to scrap Bristol’s mayoral system
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
