Your say / Politics
‘I shall strive to make Bristol better, just from outside City Hall’
The only reason why I stood to be an independent candidate in the Hotwells & Harbourside by-election was to represent my community at City Hall.
I have no political aspirations other than this very simple wish.
Hotwells & Harbourside needs someone who lives in the area, who cares passionately about the area and who will represent the views of people in the area.
is needed now More than ever
I naively thought that the best person to do that would be me and I have been humbled by the large number of people who have already given me their support. I know that I could have won this seat; I would not have stood if I didn’t think this was true.
I will continue to fight for causes close to my heart in the area of Bristol that my family and I call home, but as a journalist rather than as an independent candidate.
Despite thinking that I could balance my work as Editor of Bristol24/7 with the demands of being a councillor (as I already balance the demands of being a father, husband, guidebook writer, tour guide and Circomedia trustee), I have sadly come to the conclusion that the perceived conflicts of interests make combining the roles impossible.
I have always attempted to be transparent in everything that I do. That is the reason why Bristol24/7 recently published an opinion piece about the reservations of blurring the lines between politics and the media, and why each Hotwells & Harbourside by-election candidate has also been invited to write a first-person article.
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Read more:
- Stephen Williams: ‘Hotwells & Harbourside needs a councillor with experience, dedication and respect’
- Beryl Means: ‘Your neighbourhood is my neighbourhood’
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My only ambition may have been to represent my local community, but my decision to stand as an independent candidate has already called into question the independence of Bristol24/7.
As Editor of Bristol24/7, I have the best job in journalism in Bristol. We have an incredible team and I do not want to risk that team by standing for elected office and – however unlikely that might seem – to become a councillor.
My somewhat wishful and naïve aspirations to help my local area remain. Just not as a candidate for the upcoming by-election.
My brief foray into the cut and thrust of electoral politics has been brief but also eye-opening and hugely enjoyable.
I have had fun talking to my neighbours on doorsteps, discussing local issues that we care about, and promising to listen to their concerns and do my best to represent them.
Although my name will still appear on the ballot paper on February 2, I will no longer be campaigning ahead of the by-election.
Instead, I shall sharpen my pen and continue to strive to make Bristol a better place – just from outside rather than inside City Hall.
Martin Booth is the Editor of Bristol24/7 and formerly an independent candidate in the Hotwells & Harbourside by-election on February 2. A hustings is taking place at Hotwells Primary School on January 17.
Main photo: Jon Craig
Read next:
- ‘Hotwells & Harbourside is my home and I want to make it better’
- Bristol24/7 to boycott mayor’s press conferences
- Martin Booth shortlisted in British Journalism Awards 2021
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