Labour announces local election candidates for Filwood ward

Labour has announced Rob Logan and Lisa Durston as its candidates for the Filwood ward in the 2024 local elections.

Sitting Labour councillors Chris Jackson and Zoe Goodman are standing down after serving the community for 18 and three years respectively.

In a joint statement, Logan and Durston said they are “thrilled to have been selected as Labour’s candidates for Filwood”.

“Filwood is a diverse ward made up of a number of different areas, such as Novers, Inns Court, and Knowle West each with their own identity that is really important to each community,” they said.

“Filwood is a great place to live, and we are looking forward to working with local people to give each of these areas the voice and the services we deserve.”

Filwood, colloquially known as Knowle West, includes the local high street Filwood Broadway which is due for a multi-million pound boost  – photo: Charlie Watts

Lisa Durston is the communications manager at Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support, and previously lost as the Labour candidate to the Greens in Southville in 2021.

While Rob Logan, who is director of procurement at Bristol University, lost as the Labour candidate to the Lib Dems in Brislington West in the last local election.

Logan also lost as the Labour candidate in the Thornbury & Yate parliamentary election in 2019, and failed in his bid to be selected the Labour parliamentary candidate for the new Bristol North East constituency earlier this year.

The pair added they are grateful to Jackson and Goodman “for all the work they have done for the residents of Filwood”.

They credited the outgoing Labour councillors for securing £14m levelling up funding to tackle inequality and regenerate Filwood Broadway, saying this will provide community facilities such as a new games area, expansion of the local community centre and an “even better” library.

Until earlier this year, Filwood was home to a former art deco cinema but it has now been demolished – photo: Charlie Watts

Logan and Durston added: “We are passionate about working towards a fairer and more equal society, both locally and nationally.

“Everyone has the right to live in an area where they can thrive and feel safe.

“Regeneration which tackles issues such as access to quality affordable housing, public and community amenities like a local supermarket, play areas and community centres along with opportunities for young people are a key part of this.”

The prospective councillors said they also are committed to preserving the Northern and Western Slopes and the biodiversity that comes with them.

The candidates say they are committed to protecting the Western Slopes wildlife corridor, which has been threatened with housing  – photo: Martin Booth  

On stepping down, Councillor Jackson said: “I’ve loved representing Filwood, the ward where I was born and raised, from 2006 until today.

“It’s been a great experience, but I’ve decided that I’ll be standing down in May 2024 and passing over the Labour baton”.

Councillor Goodman, who was first elected in 2021, added: “I’ve made the decision not to stand again for election in Filwood.

“I’ve had a great experience working with local residents on matters like the regeneration of Filwood Broadway, dealing with planning issues and pushing the council for a long-term community-focused future for Eagle House – among many other things.”

Local campaigner Nick Haskins in also due to run in the Filwood ward as an independent candidate – photo: Charlie Watts

Filwood has traditionally been a Labour stronghold, but voter turnout for the ward is among the lowest in the city and was only 25 per cent in the local election in 2021.

Another candidate who has announced they will be running in the next local election in Filwood is Nick Haskins. The local campaigner, who fought but failed to save the former art deco cinema in the area from demolition, has said he will be standing as an independent candidate.

Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media

Main photo: Bristol Labour

Read next:

• Residents demand ‘unused’ place of worship becomes youth centre
• Opening of ‘much-needed’ new secondary school delayed
• Bristol’s longest serving councillor retires

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: