Conservative Councillor Lesley Alexander is set to become the next Lord Mayor of the City and County of Bristol.
Every year, Members of Council formally endorse a nominee – chosen from a Party Group whose turn it is to provide a candidate – at their Annual General Meeting.
Cllr Alexander will succeed the current incumbent, Labour’s Jeff Lovell, at next week’s official Mayor-making ceremony to be held on Tuesday, 23rd May, commencing at 5.30 pm.
Married to Charles, Lesley has been active in the local Party for decades, spending three years as the Chairman of the Bristol & South Gloucestershire Conservative Association. Since her retirement from Nat West, she has also been kept busy by voluntary and charitable work.
For example, Lesley continues to fund-raise for the Rotary Club of Bristol (acting as its President in 2011-12), and is particularly proud of having set up a thriving community group three years ago – the Begbrook Retirement Club – which organises activities for older people. She is well known for running charity tea parties and other social events.
Lesley has served continuously on Bristol City Council since first elected to represent Frome Vale Ward in May 2003. During that time, she has held a number of important positions of responsibility on various scrutiny and regulatory bodies – most notably as chairman of People Scrutiny and the Development Control ‘A’ Committee.
Conservative Leader Councillor Mark Weston said: “I was extremely pleased to have been given this opportunity to nominate Lesley for this role.
“Lesley is a very popular and hard-working councillor. For this reason, I am confident that she will conduct the duties and obligations expected of her over the year ahead with a considerable degree of charm and good humour.”
Cllr Alexander said: “It is a great honour to have had my name put forward by my colleagues for this ancient post. There have been Mayors in Bristol since 1216 and we have been granted a Lord Mayoralty since 1899.
“This remains an important part of our civic life which continues to be held in great affection and esteem by most Bristolians. So, I know this position comes with a great deal of responsibility.
“As has become traditional for Lord Mayor designates, I intend to dedicate my term in office to ‘social prescription’ (which are ways of helping to reach and engage those who are isolated in their homes because they are unable to get out under their own steam) and very much look forward to meeting all the many wonderful people who help to make Bristol such a successful city.”
