News / Politics
Environmental activist Danica Priest to stand as councillor
An environmental campaigner has been announced as one of the Green Party’s candidates in Filwood at the next local elections.
Danica Priest, who is well known for her work in the environmental movement, has announced she is standing but her running mate is yet to be announced.
Having been a prominent campaigner on the protection of sites like Brislington Meadows, Yew Tree Farm and more, the US-born ultra-marathon runner has played a prominent role in local politics for a number of years.
is needed now More than ever
Priest has also made a name for herself in online activism, both on Twitter and more recently on TikTok:
“I decided to run because like many others I’m fed up with the current system, I want justice for those who have been ignored, and mistreated by the current administration,” Priest told Bristol24/7.
“There is a lot of valid anger towards the council in Knowle West at the moment. People have completely lost confidence in planning in Bristol with good reason.
“There has been gross incompetence which has had serious consequences on our environment and people’s lives.
“It’s going to take a lot for a politician to regain that trust. I think I would be a good councillor because I’ve already shown through my campaigning that I will fight for the people of Knowle West and call out misinformation when I see it.
“I’m not some tone deaf career politician being airlifted in to get a council seat. I’m a real person who cares about my community and is tired of seeing it neglected by the current Labour administration.”
Priest will face Lisa Durston and Rob Logan who are Labour’s candidates in the ward, replacing Chris Jackson and Zoe Goodman, who are both standing down after 18 and three years respectively at City Hall.
Filwood has historically been a Labour stronghold, but voter turnout for the ward is among the lowest in the city hovering around 25 per cent at the last local elections in 2021.
At the polls last time out, Labour came first and second, the Greens third and fifth, and the Conservative candidates coming fourth and sixth.
Another candidate who has announced they will be running in the next local election in Filwood is Nick Haskins.
Haskins fought but failed to stop the demolition of the former Filwood Broadway Cinema, gaining national media attention after ending his occupation after only a few hours.
Main photo: Rob Browne
Read next:
- Where should Bristol build homes in the midst of a housing crisis?
- My Bristol Favourites: Danica Priest
- Cemetery given permission to expand onto Bristol’s last working farm
Listen to an interview with Danica Priest on the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
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