Elections on 6 May 2021 will decide the next Mayor for the West of England (WECA). In this special mayoral election debate, we bring together the candidates to explore the ideas that motivate them; discuss their long-term vision for the West of England; and debate how they would meet the great challenges that face the region and take most advantage of the opportunities ahead. Joining the event are Dan Norris (Labour Party); Jerome Thomas (Green Party); Samuel Williams,(Conservative Party); and Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrats).

This event has been organised from a position of political neutrality. Invitations to candidates to take part in this session were issued based on those individuals declared as of 1 March 2021. Participation is limited to those parties or individuals represented in the highest five positions of the 2016 Bristol Mayor election vote share. This will ensure that there is adequate time during the event to allow each candidate a fair chance to answer questions and a reasonable opportunity to respond to points raised by other candidates. This decision is based on guidance from the Electoral Commission in relation to the running of time limited non-selective election hustings. We will inform the audience of all candidates standing, including those who have not been invited.

This event is part of our 2021 Festival of Ideas series on democracy and freedom of expression. We’re committed to looking at solutions to the great challenges that face us – what individuals, leaders, mayors, councils, governments, cities, communities, nations and more can do to support, strengthen and extend democracy and freedom of expression. This includes: programmes of work on the future of democracy, May elections, the monarchy, constitutions, English devolution, House of Lords reform, votes at 16; work exploring freedom of expression through the year; and democracy and cities in Festival of the Future City (20-21 October). We are working with English PEN, Prospect Magazine, the Observer and other partners on this initiative. More events will be launched soon.

Festival of Ideas: West of England Decides 2021