The votes have been counted and the results are in and George Ferguson has been declared the first Mayor elect of Bristol after securing a margin of 6,000 votes more than his closest rival, the Labour MP Marvin Rees.
Despite a disappointingly low turnout of just over 27%, Ferguson - standing as an independent candidate - was trailing at 4/1 against with the bookies against the Labour candidate Marvin Rees right up until the morning of the vote.
Marvin Rees, who came into politics through operation black vote - a non-profit organisation established in 1996 to address the British black and ethnic minority democratic deficit -, would have been the first directly elected mayor of African Caribbean descent in Europe.
Ferguson is a well known Bristol figure (easily recognisable in his signature red jeans) who owns a number of bars and restaurants around Bristol including the Tobacco Factory - a unique Bristol architecture project which houses a vibrant caf, a bistro, a theatre space, a creative industry work space, an animation and performing arts schools and a live/work loft apartments complex.
Ferguson is well aware of the challenges he faces, and is committed to working closely with candidates of all political persuasions in order to make the city the best that it can be. He commented that: "I dont see this as a vote for me, i see it instead as a vote for Bristol. Today we voted for a new way of doing things".
Ferguson had the luxury of being able to finance his own campaign to the tune of 25,000.00, with a further 25K being raised through donations and fundraising. His campaign team consisted of over 300 people volunteering their time - a further indication of the influence and network of people that George has.
At the core of George's campaign was the issue of standing up for independent traders and associations from the local area against large corporations, and he states on his blog that much of his ethos is based on the fact that big multi-nationals are forcing small businesses to close down - something he is keen to action against.
But whatever strategies are decided upon, one thing is for sure; Bristol is going to be doing things differently from now on, and that means it is going to be an exciting place to be for both residents and visitors alike.
Despite a disappointingly low turnout of just over 27%, Ferguson - standing as an independent candidate - was trailing at 4/1 against with the bookies against the Labour candidate Marvin Rees right up until the morning of the vote.
Marvin Rees, who came into politics through operation black vote - a non-profit organisation established in 1996 to address the British black and ethnic minority democratic deficit -, would have been the first directly elected mayor of African Caribbean descent in Europe.
Ferguson is a well known Bristol figure (easily recognisable in his signature red jeans) who owns a number of bars and restaurants around Bristol including the Tobacco Factory - a unique Bristol architecture project which houses a vibrant caf, a bistro, a theatre space, a creative industry work space, an animation and performing arts schools and a live/work loft apartments complex.
Ferguson is well aware of the challenges he faces, and is committed to working closely with candidates of all political persuasions in order to make the city the best that it can be. He commented that: "I dont see this as a vote for me, i see it instead as a vote for Bristol. Today we voted for a new way of doing things".
Ferguson had the luxury of being able to finance his own campaign to the tune of 25,000.00, with a further 25K being raised through donations and fundraising. His campaign team consisted of over 300 people volunteering their time - a further indication of the influence and network of people that George has.
At the core of George's campaign was the issue of standing up for independent traders and associations from the local area against large corporations, and he states on his blog that much of his ethos is based on the fact that big multi-nationals are forcing small businesses to close down - something he is keen to action against.
But whatever strategies are decided upon, one thing is for sure; Bristol is going to be doing things differently from now on, and that means it is going to be an exciting place to be for both residents and visitors alike.
About the Author:
Hashim Javier writes regularly about all things Bristol for his site bristol short lets Past examples of his writing can be found here serviced flats bristol
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