Outgoing Bristol mayor Marvin Rees warns committee system poses risks

An outgoing mayor has warned the city's new political system could present real risks when his post is abolished next year.

After eight years in the role, Marvin Rees delivered his final "State of the City" address in Bristol on Wednesday.

His position will end in May to make way for a committee system.

In his speech, he said the new system "wasn't wise". He added that the regional metro mayor would become the political face of Bristol.

"It is essential that the committee structure sees itself as city leaders and enablers, not as council managers, not as arbiters choosing between officers' recommendations as a committee that votes yay or nay," he said.

"The full measure of leadership is not a vote in a moment of time following an officer briefing, it is an ongoing relationship with all the moving parts.

"The council cannot just be a collection of services - it must be a leader of place. It must Influence and be influenced by every aspect of Bristol life."

Mr Rees said there was "nervousness" among housing developers over the change in leadership structure and that his successors must bring investors to the city and ensure confidence in the authority's commitment to delivering homes.

He added that the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) mayor, Dan Norris, would become the "high-profile leadership of the city".

"The voice of the city must remain strong in the combined authority and shouldn't be diluted," Mr Rees said.

"The metro mayor will take more power as the determinant of delivery for Bristol and will become the political face and voice on the national and international stage."

Mr Rees and regional mayor Dan Norris have been at loggerheads recently over plans for a mass transit system.

During his speech, Mr Rees again backed the idea for Bristol underground transport, describing it as an opportunity not to be missed.

"Let's not allow old failures to rob us of the ability to recognise huge opportunities when they're right in front of us," Mr Rees added.

He also spoke about challenges the city could face in the future in housing, climate change issues and regeneration.

Mr Rees has held the position of Bristol Mayor since 2016.

Ahead of his final "State of the City" address, Jaya Chakrabarti, who has just stepped down as president of Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative, said the stability he brought to Bristol meant "people knew where to look in times of uncertainty".

"When we've had Colston taking a swim in our harbour, and the whole world watching, and the fact that there was unrest for a reason that should not still be the case, we have had a voice to the world to be able to put it into context and not lose the lessons learned," she said.

But George Ferguson, who was elected mayor in 2012, said Mr Rees' time in the position was "a disappointment rather than a success or failure".

"A disappointment in that I think it was too self-centred and party-centred," he said.

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