Green victory in Bishopston & Ashley Down by-election

The Greens remain the largest party on Bristol City Council following a victory in the Bishopston & Ashley Down by-election.

The Green Party’s James Crawford was declared the winner of the by-election just after midnight on Friday, receiving just over 50 per cent of the vote.

Labour Party candidate Andrew Milton, who had been hoping to take the seat from the Greens, received 38 per cent of the vote.

The total number of votes cast was 2,576, a turnout of 29 per cent.

The full results were as follows:

• James Crawford, Green: 1,294
• Andrew Milton, Labour: 981
• Barry Cash, Liberal Democrat: 184
• Roddy Jaques, Conservative: 91
• Amy Sage, Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition: 26

Speaking to Bristol24/7 after winning, James said: “I’m absolutely delighted that residents have decided to elect me to be Bishopston & Ashley Down councillor.

“I know it’s a big responsibility and I’m going to be working hard to show that the trust in me is deserved.

“This result shows once again that Bristolians are looking for change in how the city is run and in eight months time we’ll get the chance to do exactly that.

“I’m excited to be joining the team, putting forward a positive, progressive vision that puts people and planet at the heart of everything the community does.

“And when the next general election comes around, our city can elect Carla Denyer as Bristol’s first green MP as so many people are crying out for.”

The by-election was held at the Memorial Stadium, which has been a contentious issue during the campaign.

In an opinion piece for Bristol24/7, Labour cabinet member Tom Renhard criticised Emma Edwards for calling in Bristol Rovers’ planning application for a new stand at the ground.

In response to the criticism, Emma – a Green councillor who also represents Bishopston & Ashley Down – wrote in Bristol24/7 that Labour were using the issue as a “political football”.

Rovers has continued to build the South Stand, despite not yet gaining planning permission for its construction.

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Read more: Construction appears to be taking place at Memorial Stadium despite no planning permission

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Newly elected councillor James told Bristol24/7 that as a Rovers fan himself he does want to see the new stand built.

He said: “I still want to see it built properly. I want to ensure that the correct planning permissions are granted. I want to ensure that the local community is respected.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to find some common ground and some resolution in the feedback.

“I think that this campaign is less about the Memorial and Rovers and more about how Bristolians are really looking for some positive change in the city council.”

The Bishopston & Ashley Down by-election was triggered following the resignation of Green councillor Lily Fitzgibbon.

In 2016, the first year of the newly created ward, voters elected one Green and one Labour councillor, and then two Green councillors in 2021. In the last election in 2021, Greens won 49 per cent of the vote, ahead of Labour with 27 per cent.

James’ win means the Green Party continue to be largest party in City Hall with 25 councillors in Bristol while Labour has 24.

Main photo: Charlie Watts

Read next:

• Crunch council by-election to take place in Bishopston & Ashley Down
• ‘The Green Party’s approach to City and Rovers’ plans raises concerns for the future’
• ‘Labour are using Bristol Rovers’ new stand as a political football’

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