Former MP first to throw hat in the ring for West mayor role
Former Bristol MP Stephen Williams has become the first person to declare an interest in becoming the West of England Mayor.
The Liberal Democrat candidate has announced he will contest the next election for the role in May 2021. A two-time MP for Bristol West, Mr Williams says the role needs more visibility than it is currently getting from Conservative mayor Tim Bowles.
Mr Williams said: “This election really matters to people’s everyday lives because the mayor decides where a lot of money is spent to improve buses, cycling and other ways to get around, new housing and creating new jobs.
“Many residents won’t know much about the current mayor because he is completely invisible and has achieved very little. I’m completely different because I love meeting local people, listening to them and then getting on with delivering what they need. I have a strong record of local action and know how to get results.”
Leader of B&NES Council, Cllr Dine Romero, said: “Stephen is a really strong contender and if he wins he will definitely make things happen in the West of England and that is desperately needed right now.”
Mr Williams has already stood for election for the regional mayor post, coming within 1.8 per cent of the vote for the final run off in 2017.
Before that he was the MP for Bristol West from 2005 to 2015 and served as minister for Communities and Local Government during the coalition government.
The West of England Combined Authority is made up of three councils – Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.