Labour's council leader Peter Hammond has resigned over the party's decision not to join George Ferguson's all-party coalition cabinet.
– Peter Hammond, Former leader Bristol Labour PartyIn all conscience I cannot publicly support a decision that runs contrary to the advice I gave to Labour councillors which they accepted by a majority decision as they are entitled to do
The Mayor of Bristol says he's bemused after the Labour party rejected his offer of seats in his new council cabinet. George Ferguson was elected as an independent and hopes to put together an all-party coalition.
He's leaving four seats empty for a week to see if Labour officials change their minds.
Just taken call from Peter Hammond confirming that he's been instructed by Labour Party not to take up #BristolMayor cabinet offer. Bemused.
From @GeorgeFergusonx on Twitter:– Dawn Primarolo, Labour MP for Bristol SouthI believe this decision is entirely correct. Disappointing as it was, Labour did not win the election on the 15th November. The people of Bristol will expect the Mayor to be able to get on with his job and be accountable for his decisions.
Cross-party working with The Mayor, as important as that will be, is not dependent on holding Cabinet places."
The Labour party has turned down the offer of Cabinet places from the recently elected Independent Bristol Mayor.
– South West Labour Party spokespersonAfter further careful consideration and after listening to a wide range of views across Bristol, and the wider Labour Party, we have decided not to enter the cabinet.
We will support the Mayor when we agree with his decisions, and we want to be free to offer constructive alternatives when we believe a better solution is available.
We will continue as a Labour Party to work with the local communities we represent, and to do our best for the people of Bristol."
The former leader of Bristol City Council has turned down an offer to become Deputy Bristol Mayor. George Ferguson said on twitter it was because of 'family reasons' and he wished the Labour councillor his 'very best'.
I'd v friendly discussion with Helen Holland. Good family reasons why Deputy #BristolMayor would be difficult. She has my very best wishes.
From @GeorgeFergusonx on Twitter:
Councillors in Bristol have put off a decision on how much to pay the city's new elected mayor. It follows the referendum which decided to set up the post.
An independent panel suggested a salary of £65,000 - similar to an MP - but Liberal Democrats and the Greens say it should be pegged at £40,000, which is what the council leader currently gets.
They will now decide once the Mayor is elected in November.
The Respect Party is changing its candidate for elected mayor of Bristol.
Veteran campaigner Paulette North is stepping down for personal reasons and her agent Neil Maggs will stand instead. The election is also in November.
