Bristol Lib Dems elect senior team

Following negotiations between the political groups on Bristol City Council, the Bristol Liberal Democrats are pleased to be part of the new consensus for the governing of Bristol. The Liberal Democrats will chair two of the new policy committees, the Public Health & Communities Committee and the Economy & Skills Committee, plus take the Vice Chair position on the Strategy & Resources Committee. Our councillors are proud to take up these positions, as part of our pledge to work hard for our communities as well as on a cross-party basis to ensure the betterment of our city.

We were happy to call for the introduction of the Committee system when we put forward the motion on the referendum that saw the end of the Mayoral system. It is a matter of regret that Labour has chosen not to take any policy committee chair positions, but that was their choice. Now that the new structure has been agreed upon, we are looking forward to getting on with the job at hand, delivering for the people of Bristol following years of overspends and financial calamity under the Mayor's administration.

Cllr Stephen Williams, who will be Chair of the new Public Health & Communities Committee said "I'm delighted to be able to chair one of the new policy committees on behalf of the Liberal Democrats. The Public Health and Communities Committee will have oversight of many of the things that affect people's daily life and their interactions with the Council, everything from libraries to swimming pools, both services of which I'm a keen user! I've also had a long interest in public health and worked on many issues during my time in Parliament. I'm thrilled to be able to bring my years of experience to this important committee and look forward to working with colleagues from across the council."

Cllr Andrew Brown, who will chair the new Economy & Skills Committee said "We're pleased to be able to play a constructive role in the new committee system, and I'm honoured to have been chosen by my Lib Dem colleagues to be a Committee Chair. The Economy and Skills Committee has a key role to play in ensuring the Council, and the City, works for its residents, from oversight of planning, to lifelong learning, and from Flood Defences to investment in apprenticeships and training. It picks up on a number of areas of experience from previous roles in Council, and I am looking forward to working with my Vice Chair, and other Committee members, to ensure that the Council does all it can to making Bristol fit for the future."

Cllr Caroline Gooch, who will become the Vice Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said "I am thrilled to be taking on this important role within the Strategy & Resources Committee, working alongside Cllr Tony Dyer as Leader of the Council to make sure the Council is run to the best standard and value for money possible. I'll be using all my analytical skills gained during my PHD and 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry to make sure the Council's services and companies are working as they should, delivering for residents. I will also be a champion for equalities on the committee, making sure all Bristolians have their voice heard."

Cllr Jos Clark, newly re-elected as leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the Council, said "I'm glad that we were able to work collaboratively through cross-party talks to come to a decisive conclusion for Bristol's governance. While the Green Party will politically lead the new council, the Lib Dems are happy to play our part. Following the referendum on Bristol's governance, local residents were clear that they wanted a cross-party collaborative committee system, which allows for the sharing of roles and policy decisions. We're glad that we can be a constructive partner in this new system."

The Lib Dems also re-elected Cllr Andrew Brown as Deputy Leader and Cllr Sarah Classick to be the Whip at their AGM. Long standing activist and Knowle candidate Zac Barker was elected as Chair of the Extended Council Group, and former councillor and organiser Alex Hartley was elected as Deputy Chair.