‘Politics should be about creating understanding and reaching out’

Sandy Hore-Ruthven has positioned himself as the antidote to the ‘them and us’ rhetoric that shapes national narratives for his foray into politics.

As the first new contender to officially throw his hat into the ring for the 2020 Bristol mayoral elections, the Green Party candidate has made a bold move in launching his campaign early and has already been an outspoken critic of current mayor Marvin Rees over the controversial arena decision.

Settling down with a smoothie in the cosy confines of Convoy Espresso early on a rainy Friday morning, bike helmet by his side, Sandy exudes the image of ‘the nice guy’ in politics as he outlines his vision for the city and the collaborative approach he intends to foster.

But on key pledges, the CEO of Creative Youth Network is still keeping his cards close to his chest for now.

It is the week before his official campaign launch on Thursday, September 20  at The Station youth centre – the city centre base of Creative Youth Network – and Sandy is only too happy to talk about the drive behind his new political ambitions.

“I’m passionate about helping young people reach their full potential and passionate about the environment and social issues,” he says.

“As times goes on, I have become more involved with businesses and transport and ensuring young people’s voices are heard – I have always been passionate about politics, so this felt like the logical next step.”

He believes that listening to the voices of young people is key, saying: “If a city is good for young people, it’s good for all of us, if the opportunities are there to make the best start in life, they are there for everyone.”

Sandy says running for mayor felt like the next logical step

Sandy re-joined the Green Party after the EU referendum, because he felt that “if something is important, people should get involved in politics”.

He intends to spend the first year of his 18-month election campaign really getting to know the issues that matter in communities.

“This is not just a job you stick in your CV, it’s a huge job that will affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and have impact for years to come,” he continues.

“I want to get to know the city’s businesses, its arts, its communities, its volunteers and try to reach out as much as I can.”

On why he chose to speak out during the Bristol Arena debate, Sandy says: “The arena is two things: I feel quite passionate about it as an issue, but also for me, it makes a wider point about values I come in with as a mayor.

“I think if it was built at Temple Island, it would balance the three things that are really important in the city: economy is one, but also culture and the environment as well – it’s about creating a city for the future so in 50 years’ time, young people now will not be cursing us for encouraging people to use cars.

“Also, it shows off Bristol as a city that can get things done and that’s my biggest fear now – the arena in Filton and the development at Temple Island are a long away off, so it stalls development of the city and it allows austerity to shape the city, when it should be the city leading itself.

“I think in times of austerity, by taking really calculated opportunities, we can stand out from the crowd.”

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When pressed on what his manifesto pledges will be, Sandy says he knows the key issues such as housing, transport and inequality, but he wants to spend a year getting to understand them better in order to create promises that are relevant.

He does hint at one political move though, revealing that while he “won’t stand in the way” of the mayor’s current plans, if little has changed by 2020, then “all being”, he intends to “review the deal at Temple Island”.

Sandy’s parents worked for an international charity, so his childhood in London was full of fascinating people who would regale him with incredible tales.

“I still love hearing interesting stories of people doing fascinating things,” he admits. “Those stories can come from just down the road – people who overcome real hardship.”

He moved to Bristol at the age of 21, started volunteering for Friends of the Earth and forged a career working various organisations, before becoming a stay-at-home dad while his children were young. Later, he took on the role with Creative Youth Network.

As a Green candidate, he admits it would be “difficult” if he is elected mayor while there is still a Labour majority in the council, but says he would overcome this with a ‘rainbow cabinet’ of representatives from all parties.

“I was with Bristol Somali Voice the other day,” says Sandy. “Over the summer, they took a van and went to a number of events in Hartcliffe, just to build bridges and said they got the warmest welcome – it’s those little things that make the city great.

“It’s people trying to create the future that they want – coming together and finding a common humanity. As a mayor, I want to encourage as much of that as possible.

“That’s the opposite of national politics at the moment, which is so much about ‘them and us’. For me, politics should be about creating understanding and reaching out. Part of my reason for getting into politics is as an antidote to the ‘them and us’ rhetoric.”

The launch of Sandy’s mayoral campaign will take place at The Station on Thursday, September 20 from 6pm.