George Ferguson (politician)

Ferguson was born on 22 March 1947, in Winchester, Hampshire. His father's military career took the family to Gibraltar, to the South and North of England and Norway before settling in Wiltshire.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/PROFILE-Bristol-s-new-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-17340182-detail/story.html|title=PROFILE: Bristol's new mayor George Ferguson|work=Bristol Post|date=16 November 2012|access-date=18 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217192435/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/PROFILE-Bristol-s-new-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-17340182-detail/story.html|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=dead}} While in Gibraltar, Ferguson contracted infant polio.

Ferguson was educated at Wellington College.{{cite news|title=PROFILE: Bristol's new mayor George Ferguson|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/PROFILE-Bristol-s-new-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-17340182-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230919/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/PROFILE-Bristol-s-new-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-17340182-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}} Ferguson read architecture at the University of Bristol from 1965 to 1971.{{cite news|url=http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/home/george-ferguson-architect-at-home/1851882.article|title=George Ferguson: architect at home|work=Architects Journal|publisher=EMAP|url-access=subscription |date=16 September 2008|access-date=24 October 2009

}} Ferguson has been awarded honorary degrees from the University of Bristol{{cite web|url=http://www.bris.ac.uk/cms/go/statutes/records/hongrads.html|title=Honorary Graduates|publisher=University of Bristol|access-date=24 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031040933/http://www.bris.ac.uk/cms/go/statutes/records/hongrads.html|archive-date=31 October 2009|url-status=dead}} and the University of the West of England.{{cite web|url=http://acreg.uwe.ac.uk/hgotuotwoe.asp |title=Honorary Graduates of the University of the West of England |publisher=Bristol UWE|access-date=24 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811031112/http://acreg.uwe.ac.uk/hgotuotwoe.asp|archive-date=11 August 2011}} Apart from one year in London, Ferguson has lived in Bristol since beginning his degree in 1965.

Urban renewal and environmental sustainability were central elements of Ferguson's approach to design, exemplified by developments such as the Tobacco Factory. In 1978, Ferguson co-founded Ferguson Mann Architects and the practice won many awards for design.{{cite web|url=http://fm-architects.co.uk/profile|title=Ferguson Mann Profile|access-date=1 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314174609/http://fm-architects.co.uk/profile|archive-date=14 March 2013|url-status=dead}} In 1986, Ferguson founded Acanthus, a network of independent practices committed to design and conservation.

During his career, Ferguson has written and presented articles, broadcasts and lectures on planning and architectural matters and sustainability, and appeared on the 2005 Channel 4 television series Demolition.{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/demolition/episode-guide/series-1/episode-5|title=Demolition|publisher=Channel 4|access-date=24 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105073054/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/demolition/episode-guide/series-1/episode-5|archive-date=5 November 2009|url-status=dead}} Ferguson fully stepped down from Ferguson Mann Architects after his election as Mayor of Bristol to concentrate on his new role within the city.{{cite web|url=http://fm-architects.co.uk/news|title=George Ferguson elected as Mayor, November 2012|publisher=Ferguson Mann Architects|access-date= 17 March 2014}}

File:Tobacco Factory.jpg during cleaning work which saw a Union Flag covering scaffolding]]

Ferguson is noted for his role in the regeneration of the Bedminster area of South Bristol.{{cite web|url=http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=414&year=2003|title=Bristol UWE – News|publisher=info.uwe.ac.uk|access-date=22 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926043502/http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=414&year=2003|archive-date=26 September 2006|url-status=dead}} In 1994, he bought the last remaining major building of the old Imperial Tobacco Raleigh Road estate for £200,000 to save it from demolition and regenerate it.{{cite news|last=Gillilan|first=Leslie|title=Lighting up time|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2005/apr/17/shopping.homes|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 April 2005}}{{cite web|url=http://www.towncentred.com/ideas-1/creative-industry-buildings-as-anchors-for-high-streets| title=Creative Industry Buildings as Anchors for High Streets – The Tobacco Factory, Bristol|publisher=Town Centred|access-date=1 March 2014}} The site, now named the Tobacco Factory, is a mixed-use development that includes the Tobacco Factory Theatre, bar, creative industry workspace and flats.

In 2003, Ferguson bought part of the long-closed Ashton Gate Brewery. The Bristol Beer Factory began brewing beer on the site in 2005 and has won national awards.{{cite web| url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-s-Grain-Barge-sale/story-18014604-detail/story.html| title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson's Grain Barge put up for sale| work=Bristol Post| date=31 January 2013| access-date=27 March 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234509/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-s-Grain-Barge-sale/story-18014604-detail/story.html| archive-date=27 March 2014| url-status=dead}} In 2018 Ferguson moved back to Clifton, having lived in the Tobacco Factory for a number of years.

File:Bristol Council House - geograph.org.uk - 197619.jpg, College Green]]

Ferguson was one of the first three Liberal Councillors elected to Bristol City Council, representing Cabot Ward from 1973 to 1979. He stood unsuccessfully for the Liberals in the 1983 and 1987 general elections in Bristol West, coming second on both occasions with 29.4% and 31.3% respectively, after which he ceased any active political involvement.{{cite web| url=http://www.bristol247.com/bristol-mayor-watch/george-fergusons-pre-election-interview/| title=George Ferguson's pre-election interview| publisher=24-7| access-date=27 March 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234425/http://www.bristol247.com/bristol-mayor-watch/george-fergusons-pre-election-interview | archive-date=27 March 2014}}{{cite web |title=1983 General Election - Bristol West |url=https://api.parliament.uk/uk-general-elections/elections/21271 |website=Parliament.uk |access-date=14 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814133954/https://api.parliament.uk/uk-general-elections/elections/21271|archive-date=14 August 2023|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=1987 General Election - Bristol West |url=https://api.parliament.uk/uk-general-elections/elections/21921 |website=Parliament.uk |access-date=14 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814133954/https://api.parliament.uk/uk-general-elections/elections/21921|archive-date=14 August 2023|url-status=dead}}

In March 2012, Ferguson confirmed speculation that he was planning to stand as an independent candidate for Mayor of Bristol if the referendum on 3 May chose to adopt the mayoral system.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Stand-counted-George-Ferguson-kick-starts-Bristol/story-15847038-detail/story.html|title=Stand up and be counted: George Ferguson kick-starts Bristol mayor debate|last=Staff|work=thisisbristol.co.uk|publisher=Northcliffe Media|date=18 April 2012|access-date=18 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421022434/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Stand-counted-George-Ferguson-kick-starts-Bristol/story-15847038-detail/story.html|archive-date=21 April 2012|url-status=dead}} Following the referendum, Ferguson resigned his membership from the Liberal Democrat party before announcing that he would stand for mayor, but explained that he had no intention to run as a party candidate.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Mud-begins-fly-race-Bristol-s-elected-mayor/story-16127172-detail/story.html|title=Mud begins to fly in race to become Bristol's elected mayor|work=Bristol Evening Post|access-date=27 September 2012

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831033843/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Mud-begins-fly-race-Bristol-s-elected-mayor/story-16127172-detail/story.html|archive-date=31 August 2012|url-status=dead}} Ferguson ran as an independent but registered his 'Bristol 1st' party to distinguish himself from other independents on the ballot paper.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20340154|title=Bristol mayor: George Ferguson elected to lead city|date=16 November 2012|publisher=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116183444/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20340154|archive-date=16 November 2012|url-status=live}} In his campaign material, Ferguson stated "My only purpose is to make Bristol, the city I love, a better city for all. I have no political ambition beyond Bristol" and he set out his seven visions for Bristol.{{cite web| url=http://www.bristol1st.com/vision| title=Vision for Bristol | publisher=Bristol 1st| access-date=15 January 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116231305/http://www.bristol1st.com/vision| archive-date=16 January 2016| url-status=dead}} Ferguson campaigned on a platform of anti-political parties, often alleging voting for a Labour candidate would be a return to party in-fighting.

The election was held on 15 November 2012. On 16 November 2012, Ferguson was declared Bristol's first elected mayor, beating the second-place Labour candidate Marvin Rees by more than 6,000 votes including second preference votes.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/council-and-democracy/election-results|title=Bristol City Council|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119041446/https://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/council-and-democracy/election-results|archive-date=19 November 2012|url-status=dead}} The election saw a low turnout of just 27.92% of the electorate participating.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-struggle-face-low-voter-turnout/story-17339941-detail/story.html|title=Elected Bristol mayor 'may struggle in face of low voter turnout' – This is Bristol – Bristol Post|work=Bristol Post|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224011917/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-struggle-face-low-voter-turnout/story-17339941-detail/story.html|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Mayor of Bristol}}

Ferguson was sworn in as the first directly elected mayor of Bristol in the Passenger Shed at Bristol Temple Meads station on 20 November 2012. On his first day of taking office, Ferguson implemented two policies, revoking Sunday car parking charges and announcing that the 'Council House', the administrative seat of Bristol, would be renamed 'City Hall'.{{cite web

|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Mayor-George-Ferguson-sworn-scrapping/story-17363216-detail/story.html

|title=Bristol Mayor George Ferguson sworn in and scrapping Sunday parking charges

|publisher=Bristol Post

|date=20 November 2012

|access-date=27 March 2014

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234412/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Mayor-George-Ferguson-sworn-scrapping/story-17363216-detail/story.html

|archive-date=27 March 2014

|url-status=dead

}}

Ferguson appointed a "rainbow cabinet" comprising a deputy and five assistant mayors, drawn from four of the main political parties.{{cite web

| url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Mayor-George-Ferguson-unveils-rainbow/story-19016027-detail/story.html

| title=Bristol Mayor George Ferguson unveils his "rainbow cabinet"

| publisher=Bristol Post

| date=17 May 2013

| access-date=27 March 2014

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234410/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Mayor-George-Ferguson-unveils-rainbow/story-19016027-detail/story.html

| archive-date=27 March 2014

| url-status=dead

}} He also appointed two youth mayors following a citywide election by the youth community.{{cite web

| url=http://www.bristol.gov.uk/press/children-and-young-people/bristol-elects-youth-mayors

| title=Bristol elects youth mayors

| publisher=Bristol City Council

| date=11 February 2013

| access-date=27 March 2014

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327233843/http://www.bristol.gov.uk/press/children-and-young-people/bristol-elects-youth-mayors

| archive-date=27 March 2014

| url-status=dead

}} Ferguson took a portion of his salary as mayor in the local Bristol Pound.{{cite web

| url=http://www.citiscope.org/story/2014/%E2%80%9Cbristol-pound%E2%80%9D-locals-keep-currency-and-wealth-close-home

| title=With "Bristol Pound" locals keep currency and wealth close to home

| publisher=Citiscope

| date= 16 January 2014

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140122232616/http://www.citiscope.org/story/2014/%E2%80%9Cbristol-pound%E2%80%9D-locals-keep-currency-and-wealth-close-home

| archive-date= 22 January 2014

| url-status= dead

}} The salary of the mayor of Bristol was aligned with the salary of a UK Member of Parliament in 2013,{{cite web

| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-21008464

| title=Bristol Mayor George Ferguson's annual salary agreed

| publisher=BBC

| date=15 January 2013

}} and has not risen despite independent recommendations{{cite web

| url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Panel-recommends-13-pay-rise-Bristol-Mayor-George/story-26032292-detail/story.html

| title=Panel recommends 13% pay rise for Bristol Mayor George Ferguson

| publisher=The Bristol Post

| date=16 February 2015

| access-date=21 August 2015

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811233037/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Panel-recommends-13-pay-rise-Bristol-Mayor-George/story-26032292-detail/story.html

| archive-date=11 August 2015

| url-status=dead

}}{{cite web

| url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/politics/report-suggests-mayors-salary-should-rise

| title=Mayor's salary increase to be rejected

| publisher=Bristol 24/7

| date= 20 May 2015

}} and a 10% increase in MP's pay to £74,000.{{cite web

| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33552499

| title=MPs given go ahead for 10% pay rise to £74,000

| publisher=BBC

| date= 16 July 2015

}}

Ferguson's tenure as mayor of Bristol came to an end after one term in May 2016, when he was voted out of office in a landslide vote. Ferguson polled only one third of the total votes, including second preferences, against Marvin Rees who secured two thirds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-36236036|title=Labour's Marvin Rees has been elected as Bristol city's mayor|work=BBC News|date=7 May 2016|access-date=2016-05-08}}

One of Ferguson's first challenges on election was to cut £35 million from the 2013/14 budget and plan for a further £65 million in spending cuts over the following three years as part of central Government austerity measures.{{cite web | url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-councillors-approve-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-18258105-detail/story.html | title=Bristol councillors approve mayor George Ferguson's first budget which includes £35 million cuts | publisher=Bristol Post | date=26 February 2013 | access-date=31 March 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331035752/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-councillors-approve-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-18258105-detail/story.html | archive-date=31 March 2014 | url-status=dead }} Most of the savings in the 2013/14 budget (approximately £20 million) were achieved through cuts and changes in council staffing.

Over the next 12 months, the challenge had increased to cutting £90 million. Ferguson proposed to achieve most of the savings through staffing cuts and other efficiencies within the council. Several cuts proposed in the 2014–2017 draft budget generated feedback, such as a proposal to discontinue staff supervision at Hengrove Park.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-political-parties-attack-mayor-George/story-20100570-detail/story.html|title=Bristol political parties attack mayor George Ferguson's budget plan|publisher=Bristol Post|date=20 November 2013|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331035650/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-political-parties-attack-mayor-George/story-20100570-detail/story.html|archive-date=31 March 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristol-libdems.org.uk/tag/hengrove-park|title=Anger as mayor threatens to axe popular children's play park in South Bristol|access-date=16 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206000441/http://www.bristol-libdems.org.uk/tag/hengrove-park/|archive-date=6 December 2013|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Stars-support-Backing-campaign-play-park-open/story-20330252-detail/story.html|title=Stars show support: Backing for campaign to keep Hengrove play park open|date=17 December 2013|access-date=26 December 2013|publisher=Bristol Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227033300/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Stars-support-Backing-campaign-play-park-open/story-20330252-detail/story.html|archive-date=27 December 2013|url-status=dead}} Following the 2014–2017 Bristol city council budget public consultation, Ferguson and the Council removed some of the proposed changes.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-25733377|title=Reprieve for Bristol's public toilets in Mayor's revised budget cuts|date=15 January 2014|work=BBC}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristol.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/council_and_democracy/Updated%20budget%20proposals.pdf|title=Updated Budget Proposals|date=January 2014|work=Bristol City Council|access-date=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225318/http://www.bristol.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/council_and_democracy/Updated%20budget%20proposals.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

Following Ferguson's term an independent report, the Bundred Report, identified that there were substantial savings of over £29 million that had been falsely accounted by his administration, and that Ferguson had presided over serious "leadership failures" that had led to a shortfall in city budgets.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-38913844|title=Leadership 'failure' led to £29m deficit|date=2017-02-09|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-09-05|language=en-GB}} Kerry McCarthy MP brought the issue to national attention at Prime Minister's Questions where she described the "abject failure by the previous mayor [George Ferguson] to get a grip on council finances."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/ex-mayor-george-ferguson-failed-2165|title=Ex-mayor George Ferguson 'failed to get a grip' on City Hall finances|last=Daly|first=Patrick|date=2017-02-23|work=bristolpost|access-date=2018-09-05}} Police confirmed that they had received complaints of fraud over Ferguson's budgets in the lead-up to the 2016 Mayoral election, and suspicion that the true state of the Council finances had been deliberately covered up to aid Ferguson's chances of reelection.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/police-receive-fraud-complaint-former-6039|title=Police receive fraud complaint from former mayoral candidate|last=Onions|first=Ian|date=2017-03-06|work=bristolpost|access-date=2018-09-05}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-39153918|title='Electoral fraud' allegations made|date=2017-03-06|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-09-05|language=en-GB}}

Ferguson had expressed his determination to tackle traffic congestion by trying to force a change in the city's culture and get people out of cars and onto buses or bicycles.{{cite web|url=http://www.citiscope.org/story/2014/george-ferguson-bristol%E2%80%99s-first-elected-mayor-also-its-innovator-chief|title=In George Ferguson, Bristol's first elected mayor is also its innovator-in-chief|publisher=Citiscope|date=13 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123072820/http://www.citiscope.org/story/2014/george-ferguson-bristol%E2%80%99s-first-elected-mayor-also-its-innovator-chief|archive-date=23 January 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-22456613|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson sets up congestion charge study|publisher=BBC|date=9 May 2013}}

In March 2013, Ferguson announced plans to expand existing residents parking zones across the city, in order to reduce the number of commuters driving into the city.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-reveals-plans-18/story-18484282-detail/story.html|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson reveals plans for 18 residents' parking zones in the city|website=Bristol Post|access-date=10 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423044118/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-reveals-plans-18/story-18484282-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 April 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bristol.gov.uk/parking/residents-parking-schemes|title=Residents' parking schemes (RPS)|publisher=Bristol City Council|access-date=7 May 2016}} The plans were scaled back in June 2013 following public consultation and "heavy criticism".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-23068351|title=Bristol RPZ: Eight areas removed from mayor's plan|publisher=BBC|date=27 June 2013}}

Ferguson made changes to new schemes to reflect feedback from the public, including introducing a traders permit and making the first 30 minutes free in all new areas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/RPZ-George-Ferguson-planning-big-changes-scheme/story-19261074-detail/story.html|title=RPZ: George Ferguson planning big changes to scheme|website=Bristol Post|access-date=10 April 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Ferguson has maintained that his RPZ proposals enjoy a high level of support from the "quiet majority".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GeorgeFergusonx/status/476685644165836800|title=George Ferguson on Twitter|access-date=16 June 2016}} However, in January 2015, the council's own statistics revealed that over 90% of Clifton respondents in a request for feedback had objected to his plans.

Ferguson's plan to expand RPZ across the city was contentious.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-22687145|title=Bristol petition against parking zones sparks debate|publisher=BBC|date=28 May 2013}} The roll-out was beset by protests in several districts of the City where streets in Easton and Montpellier were barricaded to prevent the implementation.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/REPORT-SAYS-90-RPZs/story-25845154-detail/story.html|title=Blow for Bristol mayor George Ferguson as survey reveals 90% still against Clifton Village RPZ|access-date=16 June 2016|work=Bristol Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925120649/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/REPORT-SAYS-90-RPZs/story-25845154-detail/story.html|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Montpelier residents barricade road to stop RPZ lines being painted|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Montpelier-residents-barricade-road-stop-RPZ/story-26713644-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=17 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930155430/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Montpelier-residents-barricade-road-stop-RPZ/story-26713644-detail/story.html|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=dead}} The project infrastructure, ticket machines and painted lines have also been widely vandalised costing an estimated £30,000 in repairs.{{cite news|title=Vandals destroy parking machines and signs ahead of permit scheme roll out in parts of Bristol|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Vandals-destroy-parking-machines-signs-ahead/story-26759247-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=24 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928010334/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Vandals-destroy-parking-machines-signs-ahead/story-26759247-detail/story.html|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Emanuel|first1=Louis|title=RPZ bays painted over in barricaded street|date=3 July 2015|url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/transport/rpz-bays-painted-over-in-barricaded-street-1435912919|publisher=B24/7|access-date=11 October 2015}}

Mayor Ferguson spearheaded the roll-out of a £2.3 million programme of 20 mph limits across the city, following pilots in Bedminster and east Bristol in 2010.{{cite news|title=First Bristol 20 mph limit to come into force|work=BBC News|date=9 January 2014|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-25669459|access-date=11 October 2015}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-31495973|title=Bristol Mayor George Ferguson apologises for speeding|work=BBC News|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2016-04-10}} In November 2014, Councillors passed a motion calling on Ferguson to give Neighbourhood Partnerships the power to decide on 20 mph limits for their communities.{{Cite web|url=https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/Data/Full%20Council/201411111800/Agenda/1111_mins.pdf|title=MINUTES OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING OF BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL HELD ON 11 NOVEMBER 2014 AT 6.00 p.m.|website=bristol.gov.uk|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208072634/https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/Data/Full%20Council/201411111800/Agenda/1111_mins.pdf|archive-date=8 December 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Anger at Bristol's 20mph zones|url=http://www.itv.com/news/west/story/2014-11-12/anger-at-bristols-20mph-zones|publisher=ITV|date=12 November 2014|access-date=11 October 2015}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-comes-new-20mph-zones/story-24517172-detail/story.html|title=Bristol mayor comes under fire over new 20mph zones|website=Bristol Post|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513045559/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-comes-new-20mph-zones/story-24517172-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 May 2015|url-status=dead}}

In February 2015, Ferguson was caught breaking the speed limit in a Bristol City Council fleet car whilst driving at 35 mph in a 30 mph area on a journey from Avonmouth along the Portway.{{cite news|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson caught speeding in a 30mph zone|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-caught-speeding/story-26033610-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923221317/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-caught-speeding/story-26033610-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}} He went on record saying it was "a stupid mistake" and apologised for it. He stated "Speed limits are there for a good purpose. We should respect them, and I do respect them." He was later mocked on the popular BBC Two television show Top Gear.{{cite news|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson mocked on Top Gear for being caught speeding in a 30mph zone|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-mocked-Gear-caught/story-26068569-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907183416/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-mocked-Gear-caught/story-26068569-detail/story.html|archive-date=7 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

Metrobus, previously Bristol Rapid Transit (BRT), is a scheme developed jointly by the West of England Partnership: a partnership between Bristol City, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils.{{cite web|title=Metrobus|url=http://travelwest.info/metrobus|publisher=Travel West|access-date=11 October 2015}} In development from 2006 it received government backing in November 2013.{{cite news|title=Government Approves Bristol Metrobus|work=BBC News|date=6 November 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-24835593|access-date=11 October 2015}} During the Mayoral election campaign, Ferguson pledged to cancel the proposed BRT scheme if he was elected.{{cite news|title=Bristol's bus 'rapid transit' plan challenged|work=BBC News|date=8 October 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-19872109|access-date=11 October 2015}}{{cite news|title=Bristol mayor candidate pledges to scrap city bus plan|work=BBC News|date=28 September 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-19755625|access-date=11 October 2015}} When he came to office, Ferguson made minor amendments to route proposals rather than cancelling the project. In July 2013, Ferguson announced that surrounding local authorities had approved the changes he'd proposed to the route of the planned BRT2 to avoid it running through the Bristol Harbourside area. The system, renamed Metrobus, was also changed to use modern low emission vehicles which were later dropped as a cost-cutting measure.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-gets-way-rapid/story-18133627-detail/story.html|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson gets his way on rapid transport route change|publisher=Bristol Post|date=13 February 2013|access-date=27 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234403/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-mayor-George-Ferguson-gets-way-rapid/story-18133627-detail/story.html|archive-date=27 March 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristol247.com/2013/06/28/cumberland-road-option-chosen-for-bus-rapid-transit-plan-92430|title=Cumberland Road option chosen for Bus Rapid Transit plan|publisher=Bristol 24-7|date=28 June 2013|access-date=27 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234426/http://www.bristol247.com/2013/06/28/cumberland-road-option-chosen-for-bus-rapid-transit-plan-92430/|archive-date=27 March 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/MetroBus-operate-times-hour-instead-originally/story-26851376-detail/story.html|title=MetroBus could only operate three times an hour instead of five as originally planned|publisher=Bristol Post|date=7 July 2015|access-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814064836/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/MetroBus-operate-times-hour-instead-originally/story-26851376-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 August 2015|url-status=dead}} However, protest groups who challenged the route, cost, and feasibility of the scheme accused Ferguson of breaking the electoral promises laid out before his election.

A second challenge to Ferguson's support of the Metrobus project came when the next phase was submitted for planning consent in March 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/planning-and-building-regulations/metrobus-north-fringe-hengrove|title=MetroBus: North Fringe to Hengrove|access-date=17 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217121339/http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/planning-and-building-regulations/metrobus-north-fringe-hengrove|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=dead}} Objections to the application were raised over the proposed felling of a large number of mature trees, to the loss of Grade 1 agricultural land at Stapleton that Ferguson had previously promised in his election manifesto to protect, the damage to the setting of Grade 1 Listed Stoke Park house and Grade 2 Registered historic landscape surrounding it, and the lack of public consultation over the proposals.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Protesters-angry-controversial-plans-MetroBus/story-22840071-detail/story.html|title=Protesters angry as controversial plans for a MetroBus route for north Bristol narrowly approved|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923231045/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Protesters-angry-controversial-plans-MetroBus/story-22840071-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|df=dmy-all}} Following the approval of the scheme in August 2014 work began in January 2015 causing further protest, and activists set up camp in trees the council were about to fell. Ferguson's support for the project remained resolute. With Bristol's status as European Green Capital in 2015, Ferguson reiterated his support for the scheme and referred to the developing protest as "a challenging situation" and claimed he had "done more than anyone to minimise the environmental effects of the Metrobus project".{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrymccarthymp.org/news/bristol_news/news.aspx?p=1091217|title=Mayor's response to the MetroBus open letter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217122358/http://www.kerrymccarthymp.org/news/bristol_news/news.aspx?p=1091217|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-tree-planting-ceremony-gatecrashed/story-25981668-detail/story.html|title=Bristol tree-planting ceremony gatecrashed - by protesters trying to save trees|access-date=17 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208034622/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-tree-planting-ceremony-gatecrashed/story-25981668-detail/story.html|archive-date=8 February 2015|url-status=dead}} Protesters attended a press event at which Ferguson was present with Government Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss planting the one millionth tree of the national Big Tree Plant programme. At it, he accused the protesters of "blowing this issue out of all proportion".

Ferguson has referred to Bristol as a 'brand' and himself as "Bristol's Brand manager".{{Cite web|url=https://aroundtheworldin80brands.wordpress.com/2014/07/04/meeting-george-ferguson-cbe-mayor-of-bristol|title=Rocket man Ferguson is Bristol's cultural entrepreneur|website=A Storytelling Expedition Around the World|date=4 July 2014|access-date=16 June 2016}} During a 12-month period from January to December 2014, Ferguson and his entourage took six international flights. Ferguson's international travel as Bristol Mayor exceeded that of London's mayor Boris Johnson in the same period.{{cite web|title=Carbon footprint from the mayor's international travel|date=28 January 2015|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/carbon_footprint_from_the_mayors#incoming-625667|publisher=What do they know|access-date=11 October 2015}}{{cite news|title=Bristol mayor 'made most trips abroad'|work=BBC News|date=16 November 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-24909480|access-date=16 June 2016}}

File:Somerset north portbury dock.jpg]]

In March 2014, Ferguson expressed his intention to sell the freehold ownership of Avonmouth and Portbury docks which had been retained by the city council since the leasehold was sold in 1991.{{cite news|last1=Gardner|first1=Rachel|title=Plan by mayor George Ferguson to sell freehold of Bristol Port can go ahead after call-in|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Plan-mayor-George-Ferguson-sell-freehold-Bristol/story-21094350-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=14 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923231013/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Plan-mayor-George-Ferguson-sell-freehold-Bristol/story-21094350-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}} Controversy surrounded the sale from the beginning.{{Cite web|url=http://thebristolcable.org/2015/06/bristol-port|title=Controversy surrounds Mayor Ferguson's proposed sale of the council's freehold over the Avonmouth Docks. We look behind the story.|date=2015-06-16|access-date=2015-10-11|website=The Bristol Cable|last=Cantwell-Corn|first=Adam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113210/https://thebristolcable.org/2015/06/bristol-port/|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=dead|publisher=Global Investigative Journalism Network}}

On 1 April 2014, Ferguson decided to sell the port to The Bristol Port Company for £10 million. However, elected councillors felt the valuation report undervalued the {{convert|2000|acre}} estate because the Bristol Port Company had a £13.7 million annual turnover during the years 2013–2014. Ferguson's peers also felt the deal lacked transparency.

On 1 June 2015, 16 councillors voted against the sale, while 41 backed the sale. Following the vote they referred the decision back to Ferguson for reconsideration.{{cite news|title=Mayor told to re-think £10 million deal to sell Bristol Port|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Mayor-told-think-10-million-deal-sell-Bristol/story-26621941-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929203941/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Mayor-told-think-10-million-deal-sell-Bristol/story-26621941-detail/story.html|archive-date=29 September 2015|url-status=dead}} Ferguson approved the deal on 16 June 2015.{{cite news|title=George Ferguson approves Avonmouth Docks freehold sale|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-approves-Avonmouth-Docks-freehold/story-26709950-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930025532/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-approves-Avonmouth-Docks-freehold/story-26709950-detail/story.html|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

At the same meeting, the assistant mayor with responsibility for property and transport, Mark Bradshaw, expressed his opposition to the sale. Later in the evening, the Ferguson sacked Bradshaw from his cabinet position by email. Ferguson later accused Bradshaw, who was running as Labour's mayoral candidate in the following year's elections of "playing party politics".{{cite news|title=Bristol mayor sacks Mark Bradshaw from cabinet after port row|work=BBC News|date=17 June 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-33161716|access-date=11 October 2015}} Ferguson denied accusations that he'd sacked Bradshaw for opposing his wishes or being a threat to his hoped re-election and claimed Bradshaw had "started to use the cabinet and his position as a political stage for his own ambition".{{cite news|title=Bristol Mayor George Ferguson sacks Mark Bradshaw from cabinet for "playing politics"|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Mayor-George-Ferguson-sacks-Mark-Bradshaw/story-26713028-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=17 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004174436/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Mayor-George-Ferguson-sacks-Mark-Bradshaw/story-26713028-detail/story.html|archive-date=4 October 2015|url-status=dead}}

Days before the 2016 mayoral elections on 5 May, it transpired that Ferguson had covered up the potential for oil shale gas (fracking) on the Avonmouth port estate cited "major embarrassment" if it was revealed after the sale and an obstacle in getting councillor's approval for the sale. Ferguson wrote to the port stating their pursuant of an extraction licence "very unfortunately, in any case, complicate(s) the proposed freehold sale and would cause me major embarrassment if it went ahead in its present form." Port Company executives agreed, stating that: "we always recognise potential for embarrassment around shale gas extraction". It remained unclear whether any protection of the area has been negotiated.{{Cite web|url=https://thebristolcable.org/2016/05/exclusive-fracking-risks-hidden-by-mayor-from-councillors-and-public/|title=Exclusive: Fracking risks hidden by Mayor from Councillors and public|website=The Bristol Cable|date=3 May 2016|access-date=2016-05-04}}

In March 2013, Ferguson led a delegation from Bristol to Brussels to present Bristol's bid to be European Green Capital 2015 and three months later it was announced that Bristol had won.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-22910214|title=Bristol named European Green Capital for 2015|publisher=BBC|date=14 June 2013}} Bristol received a £7 million grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to support the year-long event, and the council approved a further £1 million of its own funds for the same.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/7-million-to-support-bristol-as-europes-green-capital-2015|title=£7 million to support Bristol as Europe's Green Capital 2015|website=gov.uk|access-date=16 June 2016}}

An arms-length company was formed to organise the events for the year - Bristol 2015 Ltd - of which Ferguson became a director. Andrew Garrad,{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnv.com/news/andrew-garrad-to-retire-from-dnv-gl-82913#|title=Andrew Garrad to retire from DNV GL|date=2016-12-14|access-date=2021-11-30|website=DNV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127182021/https://www.dnvgl.com/news/andrew-garrad-to-retire-from-dnv-gl-82913|archive-date=2020-11-27|url-status=dead}} who'd been the second largest donor to George Ferguson's election campaign, was elected by the Bristol 2015 Board{{Cite web|url=https://www.bristol2015.co.uk/about/organisation/board-profiles|title=The 2015 Board|date=2017-02-22|access-date=|website=Bristol2015.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222200312/https://www.bristol2015.co.uk/about/organisation/board-profiles/|archive-date=2017-02-22|url-status=dead}} to the unpaid post of chair.{{Cite web|url=https://www.merchantventurers.com/author/andrewgarrad/|title=Andrew Garrad : The Society of Merchant Venturers|website=merchantventurers.com|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224010829/https://www.merchantventurers.com/author/andrewgarrad/|archive-date=24 February 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://thebristolian.net/tag/andrew-garrard|title=Andrew Garrard|website=thebristolian.net|access-date=11 April 2016}} Garrad remained a member of the same private group The Society of Merchant Venturers from whom Ferguson had stood down from shortly after the election.{{cite web|last1=Saelens|first1=Alec|last2=Cantwell-Corn|first2=Adam|last3=Aviram|first3=Alon|title=The hidden story behind Bristol Port's privatisation|date=7 April 2016|url=https://thebristolcable.org/2016/04/bristol-ports-privatisation/|publisher=The Bristol Cable|access-date=13 September 2016}}

In December 2014, the proposed recipients of Bristol's Green Capital Strategic Grants were announced. Grants were awarded by Bristol 2015 Ltd on the recommendation of a panel which contained neither members of the Board nor employees of the company. Of the 136 groups applied for funding, only 32 were accepted, ten of which Bristol 2015 board members managed or worked for and accounted for £500,000 of the total grants made. A company called Playing Out CIC, of which Ferguson's daughter is managing director,{{cite web|title=Who We Are|url=http://playingout.net/about/who-we-are|publisher=Playing Out|access-date=11 October 2015}} received £41,000 raising questions about the public accountability of Bristol 2015 Ltd, and apparent conflicts of interest between its directors, employees, and outside organisations.{{cite web|url=http://thebristolcable.org/2014/12/green-capital-massive-500000-conflict-of-interest|title=The Bristol Cable - Exclusive: £500,000 Green Capital conflict of interest?|date=22 December 2014|access-date=16 June 2016}}

In total Bristol 2015 supported 204 projects in the city through various grants.Review of Bristol European Green Capital 2015." Bristol City Council Report to BCC Overview and Management Board.

Concerns continued over Bristol 2015 Ltd's management of the £8 million of public money. As the limited company had no legal requirement to publish its accounts, and refused to do so, concerns were raised with Mr Ferguson, as mayor and a company director. It was stated that there was a lack of transparency in how funds had been spent, and how certain elements, such as a web site that cost almost a quarter of a million pounds, had been procured and managed.{{cite web|title=New allegations about missing millions|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-allegations-missing-7million-Green-Capital/story-28680139-detail/story.html|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211035137/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-allegations-missing-7million-Green-Capital/story-28680139-detail/story.html|archive-date=11 February 2016|url-status=dead}} In addition to the money spent by Bristol 2015 Ltd, it later transpired that the city had paid a further £29,000 in hotel bills for the mayor and executive council officers for attendance at the COP21 climate change conference in Paris which was a requirement of the DECC grant.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/33519/Annex+B+DECC+Proposed+Memorandum+of+Understanding1.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 December 2021 |archive-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221110010/https://www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/33519/Annex+B+DECC+Proposed+Memorandum+of+Understanding1.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Bristol Green Capital money still under wraps|date=4 March 2016 |url=https://stephenwilliamsmp.wordpress.com/2016/03/04/bristol-green-capital-money-still-under-wraps/|publisher=Stephen Williams|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512185105/https://stephenwilliamsmp.wordpress.com/2016/03/04/bristol-green-capital-money-still-under-wraps/|archive-date=12 May 2016|url-status=live}}

At the closing ceremony on 5 February 2016, protesters calling for the publication of the accounts were branded "lunatics" by Mr Ferguson, and, although still refusing to make the full spending public, claimed "I have nothing to hide".{{cite web|title=Anger during Mayor's interview over Green Capital money millions|date=5 February 2016|url=http://www.itv.com/news/west/2016-02-05/anger-during-mayors-interview-over-green-capital-money|access-date=16 June 2016}} He later dismissed the debate about the use of the £8 million as a "fuss about the cost of sandwiches".{{cite web|title=Ferguson in new pledges at campaign launch|date=11 February 2016|url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/politics/ferguson-in-new-pledges-at-campaign-launch|access-date=16 June 2016}}

A detailed report "It Doesn't Stop Here! A City-Wide Review" on Bristol's year as European Green Capital was published by Bristol 2015 Ltd in February 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bristol2015.co.uk/citywide-review/|title=Report to Bristol City Council Review of Bristol 2015 European Green Capital Year|date=2016-12-21|website=Gov.uk|last=Bundred|first=Steve|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221105439/https://www.bristol2015.co.uk/citywide-review/|archive-date=21 February 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=23 December 2021}}

After his election in May 2016, Mayor Rees announced, in his swearing-in speech,http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/bristol-mayor-marvin-rees-swearing-speech/story-29249086-detail/story.html#9bgz247xuig3UCfV.99{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} that he would commission an independent review of the European Green Capital. Stephen Bundred,http://www.policyconnect.org.uk/hec/people/steve-bundred {{Dead link|date=February 2022}} a retired senior civil servant who had been chief executive of the Audit Commission, was appointed in October 2016 to undertake the review. His report was published in January 2017.

Bundred concludes "The bottom line is that measured against the task that it was given, it is impossible to reach any other conclusion than that Bristol 2015 Ltd performed well and the Green Capital year was a considerable success."

In January 2017, Mayor Rees summarised his own view of Bristol's European Green Capital as "an undoubted success with a few bumps in the road".Bristol Post Tuesday January 10, 2017

Bristol Green Capital Partnership, which was strengthened and re-structured during 2015 by a specific grant, will now carry on the legacy work.{{Cite web|url=https://bristolgreencapital.org/|title=Bristol Green Capital Partnership|website=Bristol Green Capital}}

In 2015, Bristol Energy, a municipally owned energy supply company, was founded. It was seen as "a new model of energy company that contributes to the wellbeing of local communities", and was intended to support local renewable energy generators and reinvest profits back into Bristol council services. The company began taking customers in February 2016.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35588573 |title=Bristol Energy vows to support community |work=BBC News |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=17 May 2020}}{{cite press release |url=https://news.bristol.gov.uk/news/new-energy-supplier-bristol-energy-is-in-it-for-the-social-good |title=New energy supplier Bristol Energy is in it for the social good |publisher=Bristol City Council |date=9 February 2016 |access-date=17 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525170313/https://news.bristol.gov.uk/news/new-energy-supplier-bristol-energy-is-in-it-for-the-social-good|archive-date=25 May 2020|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Bristol Arena}}

{{See also|Marvin Rees#Bristol Arena}}

The prioritisation of an entertainment arena for Bristol, building on the efforts of previous administrations, was one of Ferguson's central pledges of his mayoral campaign.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7141884.stm|title=Bristol's arena plan is abandoned|date=13 December 2007|newspaper=BBC|access-date=13 April 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://electionleaflets.org/leaflets/7320|title=GEORGE FERGUSON FOR MAYOR|website=ElectionLeaflets.org|access-date=13 April 2016}} The proposal was approved as part of Bristol City Council's budget in February 2014 and the 12,000 capacity venue on the site of the former Bristol Bath Road depot was expected to open in 2017. The bulk of funding came as a loan of £53 million from the City Deal to be repaid by the retention of business rates arising from regeneration, via the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, while the council will loan a further £38 million to be financed by the lease to the operator.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26236200|title=Bristol City Council agrees to help fund £91m Arena|publisher=BBC|date=19 February 2014}} The costs involved in the project spiralled from £80 million when it was first proposed by Ferguson, to £92.5 million by October 2015, a 16% increase in budget, and the proposed opening delayed until 2018.{{Cite web|title=Bid for £80 million towards Bristol arena|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bid-pound-80-million-Bristol-arena/story-18768921-detail/story.html|website=Bristol Post|access-date=6 January 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite news|title=Bristol Arena: Four-month 'slippage' for opening date|work=BBC News|date=6 October 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34452674|access-date=16 June 2016}} By 17 September 2015 the project's cost had risen to £94 million.{{cite news|last1=Onions|first1=Ian|title=Bristol's £94m arena: more than a venue for rock gigs (but there's no car parking)|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-s-94m-arena-venue-rock-gigs-s-car-parking/story-27813088-detail/story.html|access-date=11 October 2015|work=Bristol Post|date=17 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008120702/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-s-94m-arena-venue-rock-gigs-s-car-parking/story-27813088-detail/story.html|archive-date=8 October 2015|url-status=dead}} It was also revealed that the 12,000 capacity arena would be provided with not more than 45 car parking spaces.{{cite web|title=Only 45 parking spaces at 'sustainable' arena|url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/news-wire/only-45-parking-spaces-at-sustainable-arena|website=Bristol 24-7|date=16 September 2015}}

In October 2015, Ferguson had remarked that only a "stupid city" would invest in arena car parking, but four months later his officers put forward plans for an 8-storey 500-space car park to serve it.{{cite web|title=Only a stupid city invests in arena parking|url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/transport/only-stupid-city-invests-in-arena-parking|website=Bristol 24-7|date=22 October 2015}}{{cite web|title=CABINET – 01 03 2016 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM 8|url=https://www2.bristol.gov.uk/committee/2016/ua/ua000/0301_8.pdf|publisher=Bristol City Council|access-date=1 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308235913/https://www2.bristol.gov.uk/committee/2016/ua/ua000/0301_8.pdf|archive-date=8 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

In March 2016, Ferguson's plans suffered a further setback when the city's planning committee described the proposals as "defective". The committee, who hold an impartial and quasi-judicial responsibility under planning law, deferred making a decision until an appropriate level of supporting information could be provided. It was stated the scheme had been "rushed" to try to get it approved during Ferguson's re-election campaign, public concern over parking and transport around the proposals had not been properly addressed, and the committee were not confident in the detail submitted for approval.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/daily/news-wire/bristol-arena-plans-given-go-ahead|title=Setback for arena after plans deferred|website=Bristol 24/7|date=2 March 2016|access-date=3 March 2016}} Ferguson expressed himself as angry and outraged at the majority decision of the committee.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35715148|title=Mayor's anger over Bristol Arena delay|work=BBC News|date=3 March 2016|access-date=8 March 2016}} His accusations that the planning committee were "playing politics" united cross-party condemnation, and it was declared as unhelpful of the mayor to "display such public acts of pique" over the considered judgements of the committee.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristol247.com/channel/opinion/your-say/politics/mayor-comes-under-cross-party-fire-on-arena|title=Mayor comes under cross-party fire on arena|website=Bristol 24/7|date=7 March 2016|access-date=8 March 2016}}

Prior to the cancellation of the arena project in September 2018 and in one of a number of public interventions, Ferguson authored a scathing letter to Bristol 24/7 in which he accused his successor Marvin Rees of breaking 'all seven principles of public life' in his conduct regarding the decision.{{Cite news|title= Ferguson's scathing letter|url=https://www.bristol247.com/opinion/your-say/mayor-office-broken-all-seven-principles-public-life/|website=Bristol 24/7|date=16 September 2018}} Rees stated he cancelled the project because of building cost and financial risk. By 2018 estimated costs had increased to £150 million, with the council liable for half of any cost overruns. Operating costs arising should the arena not be successful would fall on the council, and expert advice was that the venue size was too small for major events.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/full-marvin-rees-vote-keep-1967134 |title=In full: Marvin Rees' vote to keep arena in city centre speech |last=Ashcroft |first=Esme |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=4 September 2018 |access-date=26 June 2019}}

In March 2014, Ferguson, together with the leaders of the three surrounding authorities that form the West of England, agreed a 'City Deal' with Government. This would allow Bristol to retain income from business rates and decide how the money should be spent. In the past, business rates were kept by Government to be distributed nationally.{{cite web|url=http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/news/06032014085129-elected-mayor-george-ferguson-has-helped-to-unlock--1billion-business-investment-fin-bristol--says-minister|title=Elected mayor George Ferguson has helped to unlock £1billion business investment in Bristol, says minister|publisher=South West Business|date=6 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310020850/http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/news/06032014085129-elected-mayor-george-ferguson-has-helped-to-unlock--1billion-business-investment-fin-bristol--says-minister|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead}}

However, in January 2015, with Bristol City Council still to sign a deal with other local authorities, Ferguson launched an alternative partnership for a city region with the cities of Cardiff and Newport in Wales. Rejecting the previous partnership negotiated with the city's neighbouring local authorities he stated "I like to move at the pace of the fastest, not the slowest".{{cite news|title=City region plan for Cardiff, Newport and Bristol unveiled|work=BBC News|date=4 February 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-31122130|access-date=11 October 2015}} More than a year later, in February 2016, surrounding Local authorities had still not been consulted on the "Great Western Cities Plan" leading to concerns that Ferguson was jeopardising devolution discussions with government. The deputy leader of neighbouring North Somerset Council, Elfan Ap Rees, said "We're in the middle of trying to sort out the devolution deal to our benefit for the West of England and here's the mayor (George Ferguson) trotting off to do something entirely different. It's ridiculous."{{cite news|title=Cities alliance moves a step closer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35549652|access-date=12 February 2016|agency=BBC|publisher=BBC News}}

Ferguson introduced 'Make Sunday Special', an idea borrowed from Bordeaux, one of Bristol's twin cities. On selected Sundays in the summer, some roads in the city centre are closed to motor vehicles and various entertainments or events are laid on.{{cite web|url=http://www.citiscope.org/gallery/2014/bristol-car-free-carnivals-make-sundays-special|title=In Bristol, car-free carnivals make Sundays special|publisher=Citiscope|date=15 January 2014|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028105130/http://www.citiscope.org/gallery/2014/bristol-car-free-carnivals-make-sundays-special|archive-date=28 October 2016|url-status=dead}}

This initiative ended simultaneously with the end of Ferguson's tenure.

Ferguson is currently patron of Circus City {{ndash}} Bristol's biennial circus festival. A flagship event on the city's cultural calendar, Circus City spans 3{{ndash}}4 weeks, and hosts 80+ events in 15+ venues across the city, with the aim of promoting Bristol as an international capital of contemporary circus arts.

File:George Ferguson Mayor of Bristol.jpg

Ferguson is a self-proclaimed 'establishment rebel' and has stated that his well-known trademark red trousers signify this. He has been described at "larger than life", and his leadership style has been described positively as "decisive", but conversely as "arrogant" and "high handed".{{Cite web|url=http://m.propertyweek.com/5079457.article?mobilesite=enabled|title=Bristol gears up for mayoral election|last=Gardiner|first=Joey|website=Property Week|access-date=2016-04-11}} Research undertaken by Bristol University demonstrated increased visibility of city governance under the mayoral model, but revealed citizens felt unrepresented and concerned about how decisions were being taken.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2015/september/mayoral-governance.html|title=Bristol University {{!}} News {{!}} September: Mayoral governance|last=Bristol|first=University of|website=www.bristol.ac.uk|access-date=16 June 2016}}

Several incidents have occurred during Ferguson's tenure as mayor that have received widespread media coverage and affected his public image. Ferguson himself acknowledged the issues in an interview with the BBC in January 2016 and sought to highlight the positive change the mayoral model had brought about.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35242463|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson denies 'dictatorial' slur|work=BBC News|date=6 January 2016|access-date=16 June 2016}}

During the run-up to the mayoral election, in September 2012, Ferguson had been forced to apologise for suggesting some ways of developing the city may be "too Irish", a derogatory term implying that they were ludicrous or illogical.{{Cite news|title=Bristol Mayor candidate George Ferguson in Irish gaffe apology|work=BBC News|date=20 September 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-19659847|access-date=16 June 2016}} In May 2013, Ferguson was caught on camera using a four-letter expletive directed at a member of public, 27-year-old citizen Paul Saville, at a public event in Bristol city centre. George Ferguson later accused him of stalking and refused to apologise for the insult saying he "was not sorry". The event drew local and UK national media coverage, including the BBC, and quickly generated a series of T-shirts parodying the words he'd used.{{Cite web|title=Mayor George Ferguson defends four-letter outburst|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Mayor-George-Ferguson-defends-letter-outburst/story-18970113-detail/story.html|website=bristolpost.co.uk|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928160330/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Mayor-George-Ferguson-defends-letter-outburst/story-18970113-detail/story.html|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title = George Ferguson's four-letter outburst turned into T-shirt design|url = http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-s-letter-outburst-turned-T-shirt/story-18971805-detail/story.html|website = Bristol Post|access-date = 16 June 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|title="Hilarious": George Ferguson's verdict on range of t-shirts inspired by his four-letter outburst|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Hilarious-George-Ferguson-s-verdict-range-t/story-18991944-detail/story.html|publisher=Bristol Post|access-date=16 June 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite news|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson defends swearing at member of public|work=BBC News|date=12 May 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-22502057|access-date=16 June 2016}}

The following month the leader of the Conservative group of city councillors made an official complaint to the city director about a "foul mouthed" outburst from the mayor. In a short exchange Ferguson was reported to have used a four-letter word several times; an incident that sparked further media interest.{{Cite web|title=Complaint lodged after George Ferguson|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Complaint-lodged-George-Ferguson-swore-Tory/story-19351706-detail/story.html|website=Bristol Post|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224034841/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Complaint-lodged-George-Ferguson-swore-Tory/story-19351706-detail/story.html|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson swears at Conservative leader|work=BBC News|date=21 June 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-22999427|access-date=16 June 2016}}

On 7 January 2015, after a Bristol motorist posted a "joke" comment on social media implying that he had driven off after hitting a cyclist,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jan/06/police-bristol-tweets-hit-cyclist-sacked-ray-pew|title=Police step in after Bristol man tweets that he hit cyclist|work=The Guardian|date=6 January 2015}} Ferguson commented that his tweet "has chilling echoes of 60's Deep South racism".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GeorgeFergusonx/status/552825545399226369|title=George Ferguson on Twitter|access-date=16 June 2016|work=Twitter}} The following day, he was forced to apologise following public criticism of the comparison.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-apologises-comparing-cyclists/story-25825096-detail/story.html|title=Stockbroker tweet latest: Bristol mayor George Ferguson apologises over comparing cyclists to victims of racism|access-date=16 June 2016|work=Bristol Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930213652/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-apologises-comparing-cyclists/story-25825096-detail/story.html|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

In his defence in January 2016, Ferguson claimed "Occasionally I may have lost my rag with people....it may have been once a year....but it gets repeated and repeated and that becomes my image." In the same interview Ferguson tackled public perceptions of his "dictatorial" nature and pledged to be "more consensual" if he were re-elected. However, he failed to win re-election.{{Cite web|title=George Ferguson accused of being a dictator at fiery RPZ meeting in Bristol|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-accused-dictator-fiery-RPZ/story-26190148-detail/story.html|website=BristolPost.co.uk|access-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907142715/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-accused-dictator-fiery-RPZ/story-26190148-detail/story.html|archive-date=7 September 2015|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|title=Bristol mayor George Ferguson denies 'dictatorial' slur|work=BBC News|date=6 January 2016|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35242463|access-date=16 June 2016}}

George Ferguson and his wife Lavinia separated in 2000 following a well publicised affair with a BBC journalist, Helen Reed, although they remain married. They have three grown children.{{cite news|title=Profile: Bristol's new mayor|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/PROFILE-Bristol-s-new-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-17340182-detail/story.html|work=Bristol Evening Post|date=16 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217192435/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/PROFILE-Bristol-s-new-mayor-George-Ferguson/story-17340182-detail/story.html |archive-date=17 February 2015}}

Ferguson has been involved in several local charities including the Avon Youth Association, Cruse, and Starfish. He was also a trustee of the University of Bristol Union.{{cite web|url=http://www.bristol.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/council_and_democracy/lord_mayor_of_bristol/mayoral_information/George%20Ferguson%20Declaration%20of%20Interest%20list%20v3.pdf|title=Declaration of Interest|publisher=Bristol City Council|access-date=1 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122141406/http://www.bristol.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/council_and_democracy/lord_mayor_of_bristol/mayoral_information/George%20Ferguson%20Declaration%20of%20Interest%20list%20v3.pdf|archive-date=22 January 2013|url-status=dead}}

Ferguson was appointed High Sheriff of Bristol when that office was revived in 1996 and served for one year.{{London Gazette|issue=54345|page=3831|date=14 March 1996}} He was also previously a board member of the think tank Demos,{{cite web|title=George Ferguson|url=http://www.citiesconvention.com/page.jsp?id=25|publisher=Cities Convention|access-date=8 August 2016}} a trustee of the Arnolfini arts centre,{{cite news|last1=McCann|first1=Kate|title=We can deal with the economy while feeding the soul|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/feb/19/cultural-regeneration-bristol-feed-soul|access-date=8 August 2016|work=The Guardian|date=19 February 2013}} and was formerly a member of the private charitable organisation The Society of Merchant Venturers.{{cite news|title=George Ferguson's response to Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja {{as written|criti|cisims [sic]}}|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/george-ferguson-s-response-massive-attack-s/story-17054845-detail/story.html|access-date=8 August 2016|work=Bristol Post|date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008054811/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/George-Ferguson-s-response-Massive-Attack-s/story-17054845-detail/story.html|archive-date=8 October 2015|url-status=dead}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://fm-architects.co.uk/ Ferguson Mann Architects]
• [http://acanthus.co.uk/ Acanthus]
• [http://www.tobaccofactory.com/ Tobacco Factory]
• [http://www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk/ Bristol Beer Factory]
• [http://bristolmayor.co.uk/ George Ferguson's blog]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111004094301/http://www.urbannous.org.uk/urban%20design%20group%20award/George%20Ferguson%20PPRIBA.htm Urban Design for Our Time, presentation for Urban Design Group by George Ferguson]
• [https://soundcloud.com/g-misterg/mad-mayor-george/ Satirical Song – Mad Mayor George]

{{Authority control}}

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