News / Local elections 2024
Bristol council candidate representing his third political party
A Bristol Green Party candidate in the upcoming local elections is representing his third political party to date.
Abdul Malik has been a member of the Liberal Democrats, Labour and Greens.
His candidacy to be a Green councillor in Ashley ward – which covers St Werburgh’s, St Paul’s, Montpelier and St Andrew’s – marks his latest bid to re-enter the political ring.
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Speaking to Bristol24/7 about the move, Malik, who is a business owner and the chair of Easton Jamia Masjid on St Mark’s Road, said he left the Labour Party four years ago following the removal of Jeremy Corbyn as leader.
The politician said he is “not somebody that is dictated by a political party or leader, and [is] more about the manifesto and where it’s taking people”.
Following the launch of the Bristol Green Party manifesto, Malik spoke about the headline policies.
On the Greens’ announcement of an increased affordable housing target, he said “across the board we’re suffering in Bristol with house prices”.
Regarding the headline Green policy of decarbonisation, Malik stressed the importance of bringing a range of communities along on the journey, saying: “I think some communities are just left behind in the conversation”.
The prospective councillor for Ashley told Bristol24/7 that he feels public transport in the city is among “the worst in the country”, adding that the treatment of taxi drivers saying “doesn’t make the [public transport] situation any better”.
Abdul Malik was the Liberal Democrat councillor for Easton from 2005-2009 and also stood to be an MP for Bristol East for the party. He endorsed independent politician and former mayor of Bristol George Ferguson in 2016, before switching to Labour in 2017, endorsing then-leader Corbyn’s policies, and, finally, the Green Party in 2019.
The candidate, who has a community office set up in the Green Melon on Grosvenor Road in St Paul’s, said: “I have a strong connection to Ashley and a deep understanding of its needs.
“For over two decades, I have had a business on Grosvenor Road and I was born on Gwyn Street, St Paul’s, I have many friends and family who live in Ashley.
“Throughout my years as a community worker, I’ve been proud to deliver change in this city, from reforming local religious organisations to spearheading community projects that make a difference in people’s lives.”
Abdul Malik, who is also a magistrate, will be representing his third party to date in the upcoming local elections – photo: Ellie Pipe
Bristol goes to the polls on May 2 – you can see the full list of candidates standing here.
Main photo: Abdul Malik
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