Jo Davis, Regional Senior Director at Bilfinger GVA in Bristol comments on the Bristol Mayoral Election:
“The significant increase in the electoral turnout with 45% Bristol voters engaged in the process is hugely encouraging in its own right, with the city recognising the value and importance of a city mayor. This sends a strong message to Government of the city’s commitment to devolution. The strength of vote and electoral turnout is a critical milestone as we move towards devolution.
Marvin Rees as our new Mayor will bring a very different style of leadership to the city, building on the strong, stable platform and the positive economic trajectory. I am confident Marvin will continue to successfully promote Bristol on the national stage ensuring prosperity is sustained. But we cannot underestimate the challenge Bristol faces, with all UK Core Cities now competing for same investment and occupiers, often through enhanced devolution powers.
Bristol needs strong outward leadership showcasing our successes, building on established relationships and delivering on ground to ensure our position as the only city outside of London to positively contribute to the GDP is not eroded.
Marvin’s manifesto promise ‘ensuring everyone benefits from Bristol’s success’ makes his ambitions for a more inclusive governance very clear, and this will be a differentiator and challenge to realise going forward. His affordable housing manifesto commitment to deliver 800 affordable homes per year is an uphill challenge for any politician or city. A council-owned company and direct delivery is an interesting model but it will also require the city to positively engage with the property industry and our neighbouring administrations to release land for new homes – if affordable housing numbers are to be improved.
It is an exciting time for the city and change can only be a good thing and we all look forward to working with the new mayor.”
