News / Politics
Green anger at metro mayor hustings exclusion
The Green Party candidate for the West of England metro mayor not originally invited to a hustings event in Bristol has now been allowed to attend following a U-turn from organisers after protests.
The hustings at KPMG’s offices on Queen Square on March 22, organised by Business West and policy group Centre for Cities, was due to feature only candidates from Labour, the Conservatives and Lib Dems.
Green Party candidate Darren Hall called the original criteria “ill thought through” and “a disservice to democracy”, and called upon the other candidates – Tim Bowles, Conservative; Lesley Mansell, Labour; and Stephen Williams, Lib Dems – to consider their own attendance at the event “as a demonstration of their support for democracy”.
is needed now More than ever
In a statement following Hall’s invitation to the hustings, Centre for Cities chief executive Alexandra Jones said: “In the upcoming metro mayor election, it’s vital that a wide range of views are heard on the issues that matter most for the city region.
“Having reflected on the feedback and interest we’ve had from local residents, we feel the best way to do that is to invite all candidates taking part in the election to participate in the event.
“We look forward to hearing from all candidates about their plans and ideas for the West of England.”
Main photo of Darren Hall and supporters in Bristol courtesy of the Green Party
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