Elections 2021: Labour's Dan Norris gains West of England mayor seat

Labour's Dan Norris has been elected as Mayor of the West of England, gaining the position from the Conservatives.

Mr Norris received 125,482 votes, beating Conservative businessman Samuel Williams by 40,093 votes.

The role covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset and the former Labour MP takes over from Tory Tim Bowles who is retiring after four years.

Mr Norris said: "I'm very proud of our region. But it could be better."

Speaking following the declaration at the SS Great Britain in Bristol, Mr Norris praised party leader Sir Keir Starmer.

"I also want to thank Keir Starmer, who has unlocked this election for Labour in the West of England," he said.

"Without him and his skills, his determination and him being who he is, we could not have got this result.

"People were able to listen to our arguments and be persuaded by them because of Keir Starmer. I want to thank him very, very much indeed."

Samuel Williams said losing to Mr Norris was "not the outcome that I was hoping for" but that it was a "wonderful day for democracy".

"We saw a fantastic turnout, which is what we want to see.

"We want to see people engaging with politics and delivering results that will make our region even better," said Mr Williams, who received 85,389 votes.

The Green Party's Jerome Thomas finished third, attracting 54,919 votes, saying he was "very pleased" with the outcome.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams came fourth with 41,193 votes.

BBC Radio Bristol's Pete Simson at the count:

"We have a rare event at this set of elections, a significant gain for the Labour Party.

"Dan Norris returns to front line politics after almost a decade in the political wilderness, and has a job on his hands to show residents what this relatively new combined authority is all about. Many have no clue, or who his mayoral predecessor was (including the Prime Minister).

"Just how much progress he can make tackling the regions chronic housing and transport issues remains to be seen.

"For now, though, the Labour Party can console themselves knowing their core West of England vote has held strong. What chance a toast outside a certain Bath pub to celebrate I wonder?"

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