Referendum removes system of directly elected mayor

As part of the UK’s myriad of local elections, Bristolians last night voted to remove the system of a directly elected mayor: a unique set-up that has been in place since a referendum in 2012. In that time, the city has seen just two elected mayors, serving under the ceremonial Lord Mayor of Bristol (something shared with other cities): the inaugural George Ferguson and incumbent Marvin Rees. Mr Rees, of the Labour party, will continue to serve the second term of his four year office until 2024, when the post will be abolished, and the city will move to a committee system, in which the mayor and his cabinet will be replaced, ushering in the new system of governance, in place for at least the next decade.

Speaking on the result, announced shortly before 03:30, Rees said he hoped his "fears" for the committee system would not be realised. "I've shared that I think the committee system is a very poor system," he explained. "I hope I’m wrong, because certainly the city faces all these challenges and the city needs a leadership that can lead it in the face of the challenges and opportunities." Mary Page of the Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, who co-led the campaign for change, said it was a victory for the people of Bristol, despite a turnout of just under 29 per cent. "The committee system will allow more people to be involved… to be engaged in democracy," she told supporters as the results emerged.

Eligible residents were given two choices on the ballot paper: to keep the current system, or move to a system of committees. 59 per cent supported a change, while 41 supported the status quo. The result is expected to be ratified by councillors at a meeting later this month.