News / Politics
Bristol to become first core city to have Green council leader
Tony Dyer is set to become the leader of Bristol City Council in a historic political first.
When the Southville councillor is officially sworn into office on Tuesday, it will be the first time that a core city has been led by a Green council leader.
With the mayoral position now scrapped, Hartcliffe born and bred Dyer, the son of a Knowle West housewife and a Bedminster builder, will become the most powerful elected politician in Bristol.
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The Green Party will chair six policy committees, with Lib Dem chairs of the other two despite only having eight councillors.
Bristol24/7 understands that the Labour Party were offered two chair roles under the rules of proportionality – Labour have 21 councillors and the Greens 34 – but chose not to take them, instead deciding to take up vice-chair positions.
The Labour group of councillors has since released a statement saying the Greens and Lib Dems will form an administration following what they are calling a “backroom deal between the two parties”. The group added that they will work collaboratively with the administration on shared priorities.
The Conservative Party have seven councillors and are likely to sit on several committees under the new committee system but will have no chair roles due to proportionality.
Lockleaze councillor Heather Mack is due to become the council’s deputy leader.
The Green Party have 34 councillors out of the 70 at City Hall – photo: Rob Browne
Dyer said: “I am humbled to have been chosen as Bristol’s first Green council leader, and will do all I can to help tackle the challenges facing Bristol.
“Working with other parties and the communities that we serve, we can deliver on our promises and put social and environmental justice at the heart of all decision making over the next four years.
“Our manifesto promises hope and action on key areas that matter most to the city, like housing and transport. Turning that hope into action starts now.”
Tom Renhard, leader of the Bristol Labour Group said: “We have always been clear throughout that, as the largest party, the Green Party have a mandate to lead Bristol City Council. As they fell short of an overall majority, they have offered senior positions to the Liberal Democrats in a backroom deal.
“Whilst the Green Party / Liberal Democrat coalition will form the administration in Bristol, Labour will be critical friends of their administration. We will assess their policies on a case-by-case basis, supporting and strengthening those that are for the good of our city.
“The Green Party and Liberal Democrats have both offered plenty of criticism, but rarely offered any solutions to the challenges facing Bristol. It’s now up to them to take the reins, and face up to our city’s challenges and opportunities.”
The councillor for Horfield added: “We have a fantastic cohort of hard-working, dedicated councillors and we look forward to announcing our full leadership team in due course.”
Bishopston & Ashley Down councillor, Emma Edwards, will remain as Green group leader, a role that is constitutionally separate from leader of the council.
“I am delighted that we have reached an agreement on how the city will be run for the next four years,” Edwards said.
“The council will be led by Greens and will involve representatives of all parties with the aim of making the best possible decisions for the people of Bristol.”
Main photo: Green Party
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