Peter Main has been nominated as Bristol’s next Lord Mayor. He will succeed councillor Geoff Gollop at the end of his year of office in May. Councillor Main, 61, lives in Brislington and has served Brislington West for 14 years. He works as a senior benefits officer in Bath but will retire from his job of 30 years before assuming office as first citizen of Bristol in May.
Councillor Main’s civil partner Gordon died two years ago after they had been together for 34 years. He has decided to focus his year in office on reaching out to minority communities across the city, from different races and faith groups, to people with disabilities, and to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The post of Lord Mayor rises above party politics. As a Liberal Democrat, Mr Main will succeed a Conservative who in turn succeeded a Labour councillor. His nomination was endorsed by former Conservative Leader Richard Eddy, who said: “Although not a native Bristolian, Peter Main is passionate about the city and its inhabitants. A campaigner, city councillor and former housing professional of long standing, he has the experience to make an accomplished Lord Mayor of Bristol. I am certain that with his skills, patience and generosity, Peter will enjoy his year in office.”
He will be supported in his year in office by Janis Aitken as his Lady Mayoress. Miss Aitken, now retired, is a senior member of the congregation of All Saints Church in Clifton.
