News / Politics
Greens elect new council leader
Bristol Green Party councillors have elected Ani Stafford-Townsend as their new leader six months after appointing the last one.
Stafford-Townsend was elected to Cabot ward as one of a new batch of Greens which saw the party double in size in May.
She will serve a one-year term as leader before passing on the leadership baton.
“I am delighted to take on the position of leader at a time when the Green Party is going from strength to strength in Bristol,” Stafford-Townsend said.
“Green councillors are working hard across the city which will enable us to further build on our success in next May’s election.”
Born in Bristol, the theatrical milliner who owns hat shop The Milliners’ Guild in St James Arcade in Broadmead, took her Cabot seat from the Lib Dems six months’ ago. She will stand alongside former council Rob Telford leader in the newly renamed Central ward next year.
“I have worked hard as a new councillor and am honoured that my Green colleagues have placed their trust in me to become the new green group leader,” she said.
Councillor Carla Denyer is now the Green’s whip, although the party operates a policy of free votes and use the role as more of a facilitator, she said. The new deputy leader will be Charlie Bolton.
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