From Bristol 24-7
The result of the referendum in Bristol for an elected mayor is due to be announced this afternoon with signs that the ‘no’ lobby will triumph.
Voting took place yesterday across the city, with Bristolians asked to choose if they want an elected mayor or to maintain the current system of governance.
Anecdotal evidence suggested a low turnout across the city, although there has been a healthy number of postal votes submitted.
The count started at 10am at Bristol City FC’s Ashton Gate conference centre and a result is expected early afternoon. At 12.32pm Bristol City Council tweeted: 'Count progressing well here. Verification over, counters rested, counting of ballots now beginning! #bristolmayor Result est. mid afternoon'
Campaigners for an elected mayor in Bristol are fearing the worst as a low turnout and a string of ‘no’ votes across the country combine to paint a bleak picture for their chances.
Business organisations in Bristol had backed the ‘yes’ campaign, saying a directly-elected mayor would allow the city to punch its weight and attract more Government funding for urgent regeneration and transport projects.
This morning, one of the ‘yes’ team’s chief campaigners Stephen Perry took to Facebook to virtually concede defeat two hours before the count has even started.
Bristol24-7 is at the count and is providing coverage for Bristol Business News. The result will be posted as soon as it is announced.
