Conservative councillor and businessman Tim Bowles has been elected as the West of England’s first Metro Mayor, beating Labour by 70,300 votes to 65,923.
Second preference votes were counted after no candidate in the first round polled more than 50%. The result was announced shortly before 6am this morning. 
Mr Bowles is the councillor on South Gloucestershire Council representing Winterbourne and is also president of Bristol and South Gloucestershire Conservative Association.
He works in sales and marketing, most recently as new business manager for a global events company.
Turnout was 29.62% with 198,810 ballots cast.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Bowles said: “From a personal perspective, I am honoured to be elected as the first West of England regional mayor.
“It truly is an honour and I look forward to working on behalf of everybody in the region to make the improvements that we have all recognised throughout all of the campaign if we need to see the real economic growth and to make the real differences for everybody throughout the region.”
During campaigning Mr Bowles said he would adopt “a better approach to development – so the right homes are built in the right places, protecting our green spaces and prioritising urban regeneration”.
He also said he was determined to make transport a priority including a new station at Henbury and Horfield, speeding up the Portway Park and Ride station and increased services from Sea Mills and Shirehampton stations.
However, he also raised fears that a Labour victory in the election would lead to a “return to a Bristol-dominated Avon.”
He will now lead the new West of England Combined Authority, which will have a budget of £900m over the next 30 years and play a crucial role in the social and economic future of the region – especially in the areas of infrastructure, housing and skills.
Votes after first round:
Tim Bowles, Conservative – 53,796
Lesley Mansell, Labour – 43,627
Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat – 39,794
John Savage, Independent – 29,500
Darren Hall, Green Party – 22,054
Aaron Foot, UKIP – 8,182
However, the vote in the Bristol City Council area showed a clear win for Labour with Lib Dem candidate and former Bristol West MP Stephen Williams in second place:
Lesley Mansell, Labour – 29,676
Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat – 20,675
Tim Bowles, Conservative – 18,146
John Savage, Independent – 14,467
Darren Hall, Green – 13,857
Aaron Foot, UKIP – 3,354
Pictured: Tim Bowles awaiting the result with Labour candidate Lesley Mansell. Photo by Jon Craig
