Your say / Politics
‘Ferguson has acted decisively and boldly’
Living in Bristol since 1976, I have seen the city paralysed by political bickering, entrenched positions and mediocre leadership. The main docks development has been a heart-breaking example of how a great opportunity to create something magnificent has been squandered.
The arrival of George Ferguson as independent mayor has been controversial, but a breath of fresh air – and I write as a member of another political party.
He has not been perfect, but he has shown willingness to bring all parties together to act decisively and boldly. He has real leadership skills coupled with an instinct for, and knowledge of, business.
is needed now More than ever
My support is in the spirit of urgency, as I see him criticised for doing something that has been crying out for attention for decades: tackling car-dominance, pollution and resulting ill-health.
If we finally get it right, Bristol will set an example to cities all over the UK.
George’s opposing candidates for the Mayor’s role are good people, with Bristol’s interests at heart. None of them has the tested leadership skills needed for this job.
It is a serious role, needing deep experience. This is a final chance for Bristolians to reject party politics and to line up behind a gifted leader. Otherwise, we are back to where we began.
Finally, there is one giant challenge facing us all, bigger than any other by a mile: climate change. George understands this, and has the guts to tackle it.
If he fails to play his part and to inspire other leaders to follow suit, it will be the poorest Bristolians who suffer first.
Alastair Sawday is a businessman, social entrepreneur and former Green Party member
Read more: George Ferguson: Why I should be mayor
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