Bristol West Election Overview

In the run up to the general election, now officially set for May 6th, Redland People will be the primary location for all the local news on the candidates, parties and issues facing voters in the Bristol West constitutancy.

Local readers, candidates, voters and party members are invited to make full use of the site to share news, opinion, photos and to list events. With thousands of local readers, Redland People is uniquely positioned to offer a grass roots perspective on the parliamentary election - as well as on the local election for the City Council which will be held on the same day.

A previous article offers an overview of how to make the most of Redland People - which is a free, community based news site focused on the Redland, Cotham, Bishopston, St Andrews and Montpelier areas of Bristol, as well as the Gloucester Road and Whiteladies Road shopping areas. Our partner site Clifton People covers the news west of Whiteladies Road.

The Bristol West constituency was the subject of a review by the Boundary Commission after the last general election and now comprises the following City Council wards:

Ashley, Bishopston, Cabot, Clifton, Clifton East, Cotham, Easton, Lawrence Hill and Redland.

At the time of writing, the confirmed candidates for the parliamentary election in Bristol West were as follows:

John Baker, English Democrats

Ricky Knight, Green Party

Danny Kushlick, Independent

Chris Lees, UK Independence Party

Paul Smith, Labour Party

Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrats

Nick Yarker, Conservative Party

The current MP is Stephen Williams, who won the 2005 election with a majority of 5128 over his Labour rival. This majority, however, was in the old Bristol West constituency, which included Westbury on Trym, Stoke Bishop and Henleaze as well as parts of Horfield, Kingsweston and Lockleaze. The above areas have now been incorporated into the Bristol Northwest constituency.

National issues such as the economy will no doubt pay their part in this election, but what do local residents and business owners think will influence their vote this year? What role will the student vote play in the area? How will Redland's national reputation as a "green" neighbourhood be expressed on election day? What role will local issues play? Redland People is the place to have your say and be heard.

All election-related articles and items on Redland People should be filed under the "Election 2010" group, where all previous and current stories can be found. Those contributing to Redland People are required to register with the site, a process which will take a few minutes.

Welcome to the local angle on the national election. Let the battle commence!