News / Bristol
‘How many mayors do we need?’
The election of the first ever mayor for the West of England will mark a historic moment, but the tone among voters in Bristol on Thursday was more that of scepticism and cynicism, with a degree of confusion.
“How many mayors do we need in one city?” was the question of one Lawrence Weston resident, who seemed to sum up the feelings of the majority, as many who turned out to the polls did so more out of a sense of duty than with any real excitement.
The candidate elected to become the West of England mayor will have new powers over transport, housing, planning and education for the Greater Bristol region, incorporating Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils.
is needed now More than ever
But while the devolution deal was hailed as a landmark political moment when it was agreed, the message has failed to filter down to the wider public as polls opened across Bristol on Thursday morning to meet the thin trickle of people heading in to cast their votes.
Maria White, of Southmead, thinks the metro mayor role will be “a waste of money”.
“I do not even think we need a third mayor to be honest, I think it’s just a waste of money,” said Southmead resident Maria White, who added that she turned out to vote because she believes that every woman should.
And she was not the only sceptic among the morning voters.
“I would like to think it will make a difference but whether it actually will, I have no idea,” said Annie Preston, from Bishopston. “I think it’s probably a waste of money but I would like to have some influence over who gets in.”
Jon and Jane Hooke, from Ashley Down, have their doubts about “yet another mayor.”
Ashley Down resident Jon Hooke believes there are already “too many chiefs” and his wife, Jane, shared his doubt about the need for another mayor, adding that they will always cast their vote regardless.
Meanwhile, in St Werburghs, voters Alice Robson and Paolo Baesso said they wanted to have chance to influence the outcome, but find it “a bit ridiculous” to be asked to elect yet another mayor and criticised a lack of information about what the role actually entails.
James Lloyd, of Totterdown, is “yet to be convinced” by the metro mayor role.
Totterdown resident James Lloyd said he is yet to be convinced about the impact a metro mayor will have and is suspicious it will just turn out to be “another layer of government.”
Ian Forrest, of Lawrence Weston, was not even aware of the metro mayor elections until he saw the polling booths open on Thursday.
“How many mayors do we need in one city?” he asked, adding that he did plan to vote in the elections.
Southmead voter Karen Harrison said she doesn’t understand why Bristol needs three different mayors and feels this is an additional one that is unnecessary.
Polling stations are open until 10pm on Thursday, so if you are still undecided who to vote for, check Bristol24/7’s full rundown of candidates and what they stand for.
Read more: Metro mayor election day
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
