Bristol Labour mayor brings Tory into cabinet

TUSC says: "We need a clean break with austerity policies of the past"

A press release from Bristol TUSC (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), 19.5.16

Marvin Rees, Bristol's new Labour mayor has announced his council cabinet. Despite a resounding win in the mayoral election and Labour taking a majority of Bristol's council seats, they've allowed the hated Tory party a seat on their cross-party cabinet.

Conservative councillor Claire Hiscott has been given the education brief. This is despite her party in government cutting education funding and pursuing the destructive policy of academisation.

Tom Baldwin, TUSC mayoral candidate in May's election said:

"Bristol needs a fundamental change from the cuts policies of the last few years. This cabi-net does not reflect the change that people voted for just two weeks ago. Education is absolutely vital to Bristol's future and to put it in the hands of a Tory will be a slap in the face for many Labour voters. Unfortunately this is already beginning to look like the approach taken by the previous mayor. The main parties will be 'all in it together' in the cabinet, implementing anti-working class austerity.

"Tory policies of taking from ordinary people and giving to the rich are playing havoc in Bristol and across the country. We need a mayor who will oppose that party, not bring them onto the top table and into the running of the city. TUSC will continue to stand alongside ordinary peo-ple and campaign for the jobs and services we need, regardless of who is threatening them."

Tom Baldwin can be contacted for comment on 0798 695 1527 or [email protected] He is also on Twitter @TomAgainstCuts
TUSC got 1,876 votes in Bristol's recent mayoral election and 2,827 across 18 candidates in Bristol's local council elections.

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.