A by-election is due to be held at Bristol City Council after a councillor announced he is stepping down. The upcoming vote in Hotwells and Harbourside could mean either Labour or the Greens — who each have 24 seats — becoming the largest group on the council.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Alex Hartley announced he was resigning in a letter to residents on Friday, December 16. He said mental health concerns meant he could no longer represent residents "as well as they deserve”. The by-election will be held in either late January or early February.
Cllr Hartley was first elected in May last year, and played a pivotal role in the referendum to scrap the mayoral model and move to a committee system, by tabling a motion which led to the referendum. His resignation paves the way for a new political battle early next year.
