Great Western Coffee Shop

I attended this event at the Watershed, Bristol, last evening.

Five of the six candidates for WECA Mayor were present:

Helen Godwin, Labour
Steve Smith, Conservative
Mary Page, Green
Oli Henman, Liberal Democrat
Ian Scott, Independent

Reform's candidate Arron Banks was also invited. Social media posts had apparently indicated that he would come, leading to enhanced security and an anti-racist protest outside the venue, but he did not attend.

The candidates were asked questions such as: How did you get here this evening? (Steve Smith came by bus, Oli Henman took a train from Bath; I think the others all drove).

They all supported Bus Franchising and expanding the local rail network. Steve Smith opposed the Park Street Bus Gates and bus lanes on the Keynsham Bypass.

In summing up, Helen Godwin stated that while all the candidates (present!) were in broad agreement about what needed doing, a Labour Mayor under a Labour government was most likely to be able to deliver.

There's a full write-up by Bristol 24/7 here: https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/ebln-lessons-reducing-car-dependency-weca-mayoral-hustings/

Oh, and full disclosure: I went by bus. But it was the last bus from Failand, at just before 6pm - so the only way back was to get Mrs Squirrel to give me a lift!