On May 1, 2025, people in the West of England will head to the polls again to vote for their next Metro Mayor. For many voters in Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, this will be their third time voting in under a year. Unlike previous elections, this contest is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet, with Labour, the Conservatives, the Green Party, and the Liberal Democrats all in serious contention.
Why This Election Matters
The Metro Mayor plays a crucial role in shaping the region’s future. Their responsibilities include:
- Attracting business investment
- Overseeing public transport
- Managing housing and infrastructure projects
- Working with local councils to improve services
While regional mayors in London (Sadiq Khan), Greater Manchester (Andy Burnham), and West Yorkshire (Tracy Brabin) have become powerful figures, the West of England has been slower to embrace the role. However, this election could mark a turning point, making it one of the most significant political contests in the region.
What’s Different This Time?
Several key factors make the 2025 Metro Mayor election unique:
- First-Past-the-Post Voting System
- Unlike previous elections, where voters had a second-choice option, this year’s election will follow a first-past-the-post system. Whoever gets the most votes wins outright, making tactical voting more important than ever.
- No Other Local Elections on the Same Day
- In 2021, the Metro Mayor election coincided with Bristol’s local council elections, which boosted Labour’s turnout. This time, there are no other elections, which could impact the result.
- Increased Competition
- For the first time, all four main parties—Labour, Conservatives, Greens, and Liberal Democrats—have a realistic chance of winning, making it a true four-way contest.
Who Are the Leading Candidates?
1. Labour – Helen Godwin
Labour’s candidate, Helen Godwin, is emphasizing credibility and experience. A Bristol-born politician, she has promised to:
Bring in investors and businesses
Push for better public transport
Secure more government funding for local projects
Labour had a strong performance in the 2024 General Election, winning six out of ten constituencies in the region. While Keir Starmer’s Labour government has had only a short time in office, the party hopes voters will continue to support them.
2. Conservatives – Steve Smith
The Conservative candidate, former Bristol councillor Steve Smith, is hoping to capitalize on frustration with Labour’s leadership. His campaign focuses on:
Improving bus services and keeping fares low
Fast-tracking new train stations
Encouraging new housing development
Despite a disastrous 2024 General Election for the Tories, they still secured the second-highest vote count in the region. Smith believes the new first-past-the-post system could work in the Conservatives’ favor.
3. Green Party – Mary Page
The Green Party had a breakthrough year in 2024, winning Bristol Central in the General Election and performing well in local elections. Their candidate, Mary Page, has a strong track record in local activism. She is focusing on:
Sustainable transport solutions
Affordable housing and community-led planning
Collaboration between different political groups
The Greens believe that voters looking for an alternative to Labour may turn to them instead of the Conservatives or Lib Dems.
4. Liberal Democrats – Oli Henman
The Liberal Democrats are hoping to build on their success in Bath and South Gloucestershire. Their candidate, Oli Henman, has pledged to:
Cut waste and reduce bureaucracy
Invest in better transport options
Give local communities more decision-making power
Unlike the other parties, the Lib Dems have chosen a candidate from outside Bristol, which could appeal to voters in Bath, Keynsham, and rural areas who feel overlooked by a Bristol-centric mayor.
Other Candidates in the Race
- Reform UK – The right-wing party, which gained national momentum in 2024, has yet to announce a candidate but is expected to contest the election.
- Independent – Ian Scott – A former Labour member, Scott is running independently after being excluded from Labour’s selection process.
Key Issues in the Election
Public Transport & Infrastructure
The biggest complaint from West of England residents is the lack of a reliable mass transit system. Cities like Manchester and Birmingham have introduced tram networks and better bus services, but Bristol and Bath have lagged behind.
Housing Development
With house prices soaring, the Metro Mayor will need to balance development with environmental concerns, particularly in green belt areas.
Economic Growth
Attracting business investment and creating new jobs will be a top priority, especially after the economic challenges of recent years.
Who Is Likely to Win?
This is the most unpredictable Metro Mayor race yet. While Labour is still considered the favorite, the first-past-the-post system, lack of local elections, and growing support for the Greens and Lib Dems mean that anything could happen.
Possible Outcomes:
- Labour Win – If they maintain support from the General Election.
- Conservative Surprise – If disillusioned Labour voters stay home.
- Green Party Breakthrough – If they can mobilize Bristol’s progressive vote.
- Lib Dem Success – If they attract enough votes outside Bristol.
One thing is certain: May 1, 2025, will be a defining moment for the West of England.
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