News / Politics
Marvin Rees officially applies to become MP candidate for Bristol North East
“Delivering for Bristol North East” is the newly revealed slogan for Marvin Rees’ campaign to be chosen as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the new constituency.
Bristol’s mayor will first need to win the Labour nomination in order to contest the seat at the next general election, expected to be in May 2024 when his second mayoral term conveniently comes to an end.
As an MP, Rees could very well be given a senior role in a future Keir Starmer government.
is needed now More than ever
? Today I’ve applied to be Labour parliamentary candidate for Bristol North East. pic.twitter.com/YSy6WlUKhk
— Marvin Rees (@MarvinJRees) June 15, 2023
After several months of heavy hints, the former journalist and NHS manager oficially applied to be the Labour parliamentary candidate for Bristol North East on Thursday.
Bristol North East is unusually made up of wards within two neighbouring local authorities, including Lockleaze, Eastville and Hillfields within Bristol City Council, and Staple Hill and Mangotsfield in South Glos.
Rees is the clear frontrunner to win the Labour nomination, with Lewisham mayor, Damien Egan, who was born in Ireland but grew up in Kingswood and Staple Hill, also due to throw his hat into the ring.
Bristol24/7 understands that former South West England MEP, Clare Moody, could be another candidate, having recently joined campaigners in Cheswick Village.
Future prime minister Keir Starmer and future cabinet minister Marvin Rees? – photo: Labour Party
In a social media post on Thursday afternoon, Rees said: “Today I’ve applied to be Labour parliamentary candidate for Bristol North East.
“I was born in Bristol. It is where I’ve stayed and made a home with my family.
“I would be honoured to serve as your MP, delivering for my constituents and ensuring a Labour government at the next general election.”
Marvin Rees speaks at TED in Canada – photo: Ryan Lash / TED
Reaction to Rees’ anouncement has been mixed.
Unsurprisingly, Labour loyalists have been supportive. “Sad to be losing a third of my constituency in boundary changes (Eastville, Frome Vale and Hillfields) but couldn’t ask for a better person to take over,” tweeted Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy.
Eastville councillor Marley Bennett said: “Great news. Marvin would be a brilliant MP for the new Bristol North East constituency, which includes Eastville. He has my support.”
Lakota co-owner Marti Burgess (also a member of the Bristol24/7 board) added: “Great, 100% behind you – it would be great to have your voice in parliament.”
But reaction has not been universally positive. Former Lib Dem council candidate Harry Marston tweeted: “Mate, there was literally a vote to abolish you which passed comfortably. Please go away.”
William Fleet added: “I don’t know why he thinks this is a good idea; it’s not like people already voted him out of a job.”
Main photo: Bristol City Council
Read next:
- 10 Questions: Marvin Rees – ‘I’m Bristol’s most transparent person’
- Debbonaire calls Johnson a ‘lawbreaker and a liar’
- Bristol a step closer to getting a fifth MP
- A day with Bristol North West MP Darren Jones
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