Bristol 'makes history' by electing its first Green MP

One of the co-leaders of the Green Party has won the newly-created seat of Bristol Central to become the city's first Green MP.

Carla Denyer beat Labour candidate Thangam Debbonaire, who had been MP for former constituency Bristol West since 2010.

Ms Denyer gained the seat with 24,539 votes (56.6%), while Ms Debbonaire received 14,132 votes (32.6%).

The new Green Party MP said the city had "made history" and she was "so grateful".

She told BBC News: "I'm feeling over the moon and so grateful for all of the support we received from voters in Bristol Central and across the country.

"We know voters like our policies. Policies like an increased minimum wage and better investment in public services.

"We went into this election with an ambitious but realistic target to quadruple our number of MPs.

"The voters have spoken, I think this is the direction of travel for Greens from now on."

Ms Denyer received 56.6% of the vote

The number of people who voted in Bristol Central was 62,735 - a 69% turnout, down by 4.1% from 2019.

The area covered by the newly-created seat of Bristol Central used to be part of Bristol West, which has now been abolished.

As the name suggests, it encompasses the city centre including the areas around the Harbour and Hotwells.

Its residential wards include areas such as Clifton and Bishopston, as well as St Pauls and St Werburghs.

Reacting to losing her role as an MP in Bristol, Ms Debbonaire said representing the city had been an “incredible honour”.

She congratulated Ms Denyer and said: "People who have put their trust in you will come to see what a great job you're about to do.

"Across the country, people have voted for a Labour government and I couldn't be prouder of my part in seeing that happen," Ms Debbonaire added.

Full Bristol Central results

• Carla Denyer, Green Party elected MP, 24,539 votes (56.6%)

• Thangam Debbonaire, Labour Party candidate, 14,132 votes (32.6%)

• Samuel Williams, Conservative Party candidate, 1,998 votes (4.6%)

• Robert Clarke, Reform UK candidate, 1,338 votes (3.1%).

• Nicholas Coombes, Liberal Democrat candidate, 1,162 votes (2.7%)

• Kellie-Jay Keen, Party of Women candidate, 196 votes (0.5%)

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• Karin Smyth, Labour candidate for Bristol South, keeps her seat

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