Marvin Rees wins in Bristol

The Mayoral victory by Marvin Rees, alongside Sadiq Khan winning City Hall in London constitutes an historic occasion on a par with Diane Abbot, Bernie Grant, Keith Vaz and Paul Boateng entering Parliament in 1987.

Marvin Rees, born and bred in Bristol from working class humble beginnings has had to fight tooth and nail to achieve this historic goal.

Having lost in 2012 the bookmakers made the incumbent Mayor odds on favourite to win again, but Marvin was having none of it.

Simon Woolley OBV Director stated:

The symbolism of Marvin winning cannot be overstated. Bristol made its vast wealth in slavery. Slave owners such as Edward Colston have statues and institutions throughout the city. Bristol has for some time struggled with acknowledging its dark past, much less effectively dealing with it. But with Marvin - a descendent of those enslaved - perhaps Bristol takes a truly redemptive step to modernisation. And in doing so Rees becomes not only the first directly elected city mayor of Caribbean/African decent in the UK, but also Europe.”

Rees victory changes British politics forever. This young Black man is a worthy role model to inspire millions: This working class Black man has both a vision and plan to unleash potential in the city for everyone. We are particularly proud Marvin is an OBV alumnus and now joins Clive Lewis MP, Helen Grant MP and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.”

Staff Reporter