Emma Edwards elected leader of Bristol City Council Green Party Group
The Green Party Group on Bristol City Council has had a change of leadership. Following an internal election, Emma Edwards has been elected as the Group’s leader. The former Group leader Heather Mack did not stand for re-election.
Edwards takes on the leadership just weeks after the Greens became the largest group on Bristol City Council, following a by-election victory which saw the party gain a seat from the Liberal Democrats.
First elected in 2021, Edwards represents the Bishopston and Ashley Down Ward. She is best known for her campaigning on transport issues, having jointly shadowed the cabinet member for transport on the Council.
Speaking following her election, Edwards said, “I am delighted to have been elected by the Green Group to be leader. This is a critical year for Greens as we prepare for power under the committee system next year. We are now the largest group on Bristol Council, and this indicates Bristol residents are keen for change. People want an accountable council that listens to residents and takes practical action to make our city a better place to live. In the meantime I will continue to help Greens scrutinise council decisions and fight for social and environmental justice as the main opposition group.”
By becoming leader of the Bristol Green Party Group, Edwards is now the leader of the largest group of Green Councillors anywhere in the country.
Alongside Edwards, Ashley Ward Councillor Tim Wye has been elected as the Group’s deputy leader. Wye said, “I am really pleased to take on the role of deputy leader in the Green Group. With my background in the public sector I feel I will be able to support Emma in her new role of Group Leader.”
While the Green Party is now the largest Group on Bristol City Council, the party is not currently running the Council. Bristol operates on a mayoral system, with Labour’s Marvin Rees currently holding the post. However, following a referendum in 2022, the mayor is set to be abolished, meaning that if the Greens come out on top in the 2024 local elections, they could be running the Council for the first time ever.
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