Having lived and studied at UWE in South Glos, worked in the heart of Bath and as a Labour Councillor in Bristol, I am a true champion for all of our region.
An experienced local leader and convener, mental health charity founder and housing campaigner, and cabinet member, I have a proven track record of building movements to listen and deliver change for and with people across our communities.
I’m standing for Mayor because every person in our region deserves the chance to thrive. Truly affordable homes, available for people locally, access to nature, the health services and transport we need alongside housing, new train stations, buses under public control and investment in communities and good jobs.
I joined Labour over a decade ago to – like many of us – play a part in improving lives. Driven by Labour values, I have brought people together and led winning campaigns on issues that matter. .
Whether it was leading the award-winning campaign that secured the commitment to end Section 21 no fault evictions or to prevent the mental health crisis line from being closed, I have been at the forefront of change with and for communities.
Having set up and led a mental health charity, alongside being a member representative on the Local Government Pension Fund, I understand the importance of sound organisational governance at scale and that good relationships with others is key to success.
I am the candidate the Tories won’t want you to choose – having not only built trust to gain my own ward of Horfield but increased our Labour majority here in May. . I have also played major roles in local and General Election campaigns where we have flipped seats from blue to red, including Bristol North West in 2017 and Filton and Bradley Stoke this July.
I am unapologetically ambitious for our communities – that’s why you’ll always find me walking towards challenges – never away – bringing people together to share their views and lived experience, and seizing every possible opportunity
to make life fairer for people here.
With a Labour government, we have an historic opportunity to see more power in the hands of our people and communities – those who truly understand what’s needed. Together, let’s get what we need so our region – our rich tapestry of towns, villages and cities – can thrive.
To make this a reality, we need a Labour candidate for Mayor who knows and is a champion for our whole region, has the experience to act, the ability to bring people together and to shape policies and approaches that work, and the proven staying power to deliver for everyone across our communities.
I’m not your typical candidate – as a campaigner, charity founder and cabinet member, I’ve spent my life working for and with our communities to deliver change. I believe in the power of your voice, our Labour values, and our region’s potential to thrive. I’ll work every day to not only make this a reality, but to do politics differently – not top down – and bring people in, like I have for years.
But I can only do it with your trust and support, by voting for me to become our next Labour candidate for Mayor.
Join me in shaping the next chapter for the West of England
My plan for the region
A New Housing Deal for our region
Building new council & social housing, community-led housing, and new homes to buy, with a brownfield-first approach alongside the infrastructure, services and facilities communities need.
Integrating health, education and growth
Treating childcare as infrastructure, along with bringing education, healthcare and local services together to ensure early planning in growing communities.
Regional regeneration
Working in partnership with businesses, communities, and workers to get the region building for the future. Providing homes, jobs and spaces that transform lives, creating the springboards for the next enterprising start ups to succeed.
Nature-rich spaces, accessible for all
Safeguarding green spaces for communities to enjoy, recognising the importance of our environment for our wellbeing. We will plant more trees, protecting wildlife corridors, creating blooming habitats and enhancing the countryside.
Rural reward
Ensuring our rural areas receive a fair share, tackling isolation and building connection. The region only thrives if all areas of the West of England are thriving. Investment will be spread fairly, ensuring people can access skills and opportunities in all corners.
A green skills academy for our region
Delivering on climate commitments and enabling people to access the green skills and opportunities of the future. Working with Skills England and local colleges, creating apprenticeships, placements and high quality good jobs.
Opportunity and prosperity for communities
Creating a region together that will flourish, with more roles in growth sectors, locally. Well paid jobs and available to people in our most deprived communities. Expanding the role of small businesses, third sector and co-operatives in our region
Transport that works for all
Moving forward together, building an integrated transport system that connects homes to opportunities, with more trains and new train stations, buses, better walking, wheeling and cycling routes, where accessibility is at the forefront.
Taking back control of our buses
Bringing buses back under public control, with communities across the West of England prioritised, not shareholder profits. Learning from other regions, we will improve reliability, integrate ticketing, restore routes, extend the hours of the diamond bus pass and deliver a new deal for young people on buses.
Community conversations
Working with local leaders collaboratively on the issues that matter. Local people and leaders know their communities best. I will meet and engage with local councillors, community leaders and residents to deliver on priorities.
We need a candidate who can build the winning campaign across our whole region to beat the Tories (and I know the effort that takes!).
Tom is the candidate who has led and played key roles in all recent battleground campaigns in the West of England, including winning Filton & Bradley Stoke.
Tom has the know-how, the relationships across our whole region and is ready to lead the campaign we need from day one.
Claire Hazelgrove MP
Filton & Bradley Stoke
We have some fantastic Labour candidates shortlisted but we need one that can bring our whole region together to create opportunity and prosperity for all.
With devolution comes the chance to deliver for communities on a footprint that makes sense. Tom is the candidate vocally backing the inclusion of North Somerset in the West of England, which will help the whole region to thrive.
Tom has been proactive, working on key issues for residents in towns and villages, including supporting the case for the restoration of the Portishead railway line. He is the right choice to deliver the win for this vitally important role.
Sadik Al-Hassan MP
North Somerset
I have always been impressed by Tom’s commitment, energy and ability to build meaningful partnerships that are focused on better outcomes for local residents.
In the region, we have the shared Western Gateway pan-regional partnership, focused on growing the regional economy and driving investment, innovation and connecting communities.
Tom is already engaged in the work of Western Gateway and will be able to bring people together to deliver jobs, skills and better transport across the area.
Will Stone MP
Swindon North
I am proud to endorse Tom Renhard as our next Metro Mayor. Tom’s track record on critical issues like housing, homelessness, and mental health speaks for itself. As a long-time campaigner with ACORN, he’s fought tirelessly for tenant rights, and his work to end unfair evictions has already made a huge impact. But Tom isn’t just about policy, he’s about people. Through his work as a mental health advocate, founding the Independent Mental Health Network and fighting to end mental health stigma, he’s shown his commitment to empowering individuals across Bristol and beyond. I know he’ll bring the same passion and integrity to the Metro Mayor role that he’s shown throughout his career. He’s exactly the leader we need to drive forward a fairer, more inclusive region. Let’s support Tom for a future where everyone has a chance to thrive!
Abi Cohen
Member in Filton & Bradley Stoke, Aerospace engineer working in Bristol, actively involved in supporting local initiatives.
As a young renter, tackling the housing crisis is the single most important issue to me and Tom has a strong track record of delivery in standing up for renters at Bristol City Council. As a student who regularly uses buses and a committee member at Bristol Uni Labour, I know how important improving the region’s public transport and bringing buses back into public control is for young people.
Alex Bullett
Vice-Chair Campaigns Bristol University Labour Party, and Bristol Central Labour Party Member
I am confident that Tom’s leadership and commitment to our community make him an outstanding candidate for the role. As I have known Tom over the years, he has worked tirelessly to make Bristol a better place for all, and I am confident that Tom would be a brilliant metro mayor if elected, and I do hope he gets selected and becomes our next metro mayor. We need someone like him who understands what the community wants and needs. Under the last year Labour administration, which I was part of as a councillor in Frome Vale, Tom was the housing cabinet member, and during that time he and his team built more affordable homes in Bristol than has happened for around 20 years.
Amal Ali
Community Campaigner in Lawrence Hill and former Councillor and Deputy Leader of Bristol Labour
Tom Renhard is the best WECA Mayoral candidate, has the leadership experience to drive growth and deliver for the combined authority. I have seen Tom’s commitment to inclusive growth, and was impressed with his track record on delivering social housing as Cabinet Member.
Arif Khan
Community leader. Member of multi faith group. Award winner for work done on community cohesion and awarded as community champion.
I Tom has the leadership and vision to lead the West of England Combined Authority into the next phase of development for transport and jobs. His knowledge of local and national government functions and funding will enable the collaboration of the WECA local authorities to bring benefits across the region.
Andrew Milton
Social Media Officer for Bristol North West Labour and former councillor candidate for Bishopston & Ashley Down Ward
I Informed, clear-headed, articulate, and experienced, Tom Renhard is a proven leader who will work for all of us.
Barbara Gallati
Chair of Bristol South Labour Party
I have known Tom for several years, and I know that he is fully committed to representing people both in Bristol and in the wider area.
He has a good understanding of the key issues locally, including transport, and housing.
Improving transport links across the area, and taking an in-depth look at how the new housing development provides the best outcome for all local people is an essential part of the role, and I am confident that Tom will use his experience for the benefit of residents in the wider WECA area.
Brenda Massey
Constituency Secretary for Bristol North West Labour Party, Horfield Ward Member and former Councillor for Southmead
I’m backing Tom Renhard for WECA Mayor because, having worked closely with him over these past few months, it’s clear to me that he’s the best choice for the role. His time as Bristol Labour Party Leader has been nothing short of exceptional, and his time as Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homelessness showcased his dedication to tackling the issues that matter most to our communities and gives him a massive wealth of experience. Tom’s determination and his genuine commitment to improving the lives of people in Bristol really make him stand out. He has a deep understanding of the challenges we face and a clear vision for how to address them and genuinely cares about improving the city for future generations to come. With his pragmatic approach to problem-solving, I believe Tom is uniquely positioned to drive positive change not only in Bristol but across the entire South West region.
Councillor Al Al–Maghrabi
Frome Vale Ward & Housing Policy Committee Member
I have worked closely with Tom since being elected as a councillor for Horfield. Tom is collaborative, inclusive and focused on delivering for local residents. Horfield has seen new council homes delivered, an expansion of the local leisure centre in progress, new play equipment installed for children and trees planted across the common. With Tom’s track record locally, he will be well placed to deliver for residents across the region.
Councillor Carole Johnson
Horfield Ward, Adult Social Care Policy Committee Member and Bristol Magistrate
Having known Tom for over ten years I have seen how hard he works day in day out for communities in and around Bristol. He has been involved in campaigns that positively impact people across the WECA area. I have worked closely with him on elections since 2015 when he first stood in South Gloucestershire. Tom has the campaigning experience and connections across the region to build a West of England where everyone can have the chance to thrive.
Councillor Dayley Lawrence
Mayor of Patchway
I am very happy to endorse Tom Renhard as candidate for the Weca Mayor.
I think that Tom has the right experience, political acumen and diplomatic skill to do the job.
Councillor Grant Johnson
Paulton Ward, B&NES Council
I have known Tom since he first became a party member in South Gloucestershire. Tom has grown into a seasoned campaigner and politician who knows how to get things done with communities. Having lived, studied and worked in the area, Tom has built successful relationships with many and gets what we need to do to see the region thrive. Tom will be partnership focused, engage visibly and regularly, empowering local government leaders to deliver for communities.
Councillor Ian Boulton
Co-leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, Employment and Business, South Gloucestershire Council
I’m proud to support Tom for West of England Mayor. His vision for the region aligns with my own ambitions for our city—ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive. Tom has always taken the time to listen to me, especially when it comes to advocating for marginalised communities that have historically been left behind.
His dedication to affordable housing, investing in nature, building essential infrastructure, bringing buses under public control, and creating good jobs shows his commitment to making sure no one is left out. I’ve especially valued his ongoing support around Bristol’s Just Transition Declaration and helping me find my feet as a new Councillor for Hartcliffe and Withywood ward. His backing of the recent Golden Motion, which aims to make Bristol the UK’s most accessible city, shows his deep commitment to inclusivity and making real change for those who need it most.
I trust Tom to deliver the change our region needs.
Councillor Kirsty Tait
Hartcliffe & Withywood Ward, Environment Policy Committee Member and Co author of Bristol’s Just Transition Declaration
I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse Tom Renhard for Metro Mayor of the West of England in 2025. Having worked closely with Tom in the Bristol Labour Group, where he has served as leader since 2023, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Bristolians. Tom embodies competence, compassion, natural leadership, and a vision for the future. With these qualities, I am confident he will guide the combined authorities of the West of England to continued success as Metro Mayor.
Councillor Louis Martin
Frome Vale Ward & Adult Social Care Policy Committee Member
I first met Tom Renhard when I was first elected in 2021. He was a cabinet member for Housing and I was a new councillor.
I was impressed by the hard work and achievements he managed on a difficult portfolio of housing. Bristol is in a housing crisis and Tom worked very hard on a strategic level to try and make a difference. Getting housing approved, and building as many council and affordable houses we could squeeze out of tight budget. But this did not stop him from helping us ward councillors on individual housing casework, making sure our residents were best served.
In 2024 he was elected leader of the Labour Group, and he has worked hard on a very inclusive campaign to get most of us elected.
As a leader I feel he has a strategic vision for the Bristol Labour group, working out how best to achieve our Labour Values, in the new Community System, which at times takes a lot of negotiation.
But importantly, he listens, he includes all the Labour councillors in decisions, and makes sure all elected members have a say.
Councillor Katja Hornchen
Brislington East Ward and Vice-Chair Children & Young People’s Policy Committee
I’m supporting Cllr Tom Renhard for the nomination to be Labour’s candidate for West of England Combined Authority Mayor. Here’s why.
Tom has been an excellent leader of the Labour Group since he took over the role in September last year. It’s a highly responsible job and, with many new Labour Councillors, a very demanding one. Tom has managed these pressures well and shown great leadership qualities.
Until the election in May 2024, Tom was also the Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes and did an excellent job of bringing together the whole council to back a 30-year plan to deliver the homes we desperately need in Bristol. The West of England Combined Authority has responsibility for investing in new homes across the region, and I believe Tom is best placed to deliver that investment.
I believe Tom would be an excellent Metro Mayor – he understands the issues, pays attention to detail and works well with others – all essential qualities for the role.
I am happy to endorse Tom to be Labour’s candidate in 2025.
Councillor Tim Rippington
Brislington East Ward and Labour Group Chief Whip
I am endorsing Tom Renhard for WECA because, since I became an elected Councillor for Bishopsworth ward, I have had nothing but support and encouragement from him. He has shown me kindness and given me advice when I have needed it to advance the interests of residents in South Bristol.
Tom is a wonderful and caring person who always puts himself forward for the hardest tasks. I know he will give 100% to the community he will be serving and make a real positive difference to the role. I believe in him and I hope he gets your vote!
Councillor Sue Kollar
Bishopsworth Ward
Since May, I have had the pleasure of working with Tom. In that time he has shown me an unrivaled understanding of the issues we are facing today and has championed many of them at Bristol City Council. From spearheading reform for rent controls, to pledging a subsidised bus service, and being an advocate for Mental Health, I believe Tom has the drive and the passion to deliver ambitious change across WECA.
Councillor Zoe Peat
Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston Ward & Housing Policy Committee Member
Ive seen Tom’s leadership firsthand and he excels at uniting people on important issues, properly listening to their concerns. As local GP, I am confident that his background in mental health and housing, coupled with his strategic leadership skills, equips him to tackle complex challenges. Tom has the expertise and empathy to implement changes that will genuinely improve people’s lives as WECA mayor.
Dr Peter Brindle
GP and member in Bristol North West
I have known Tom for over a decade and campaigned with him across all areas of the West of England Mayoral region from Bath to Filton & Bradley Stoke. Tom has a very strong knowledge of our region, both city and rural areas. He is one of the hardest working Councillors on Bristol City Council. Tom is reliable, gets things done and has what it takes to win. Proud to support Tom Renhard.
Eileen Means
former Bristol councillor and Chair of Clifton Hotwells & Harbourside Labour Party Branch
I’m supporting Tom Renhard for WECA Mayor because of his proven dedication to Bristol and its residents. As the leader of the Bristol Labour group and a key figure in the city’s housing initiatives, Tom has consistently demonstrated his commitment to addressing critical issues like affordable housing and community development. Tom’s vision for a better Bristol, combined with his hands-on experience and genuine passion for public service, makes him the best candidate for WECA Mayor.
Neil Chick
Retired IT Consultant and Constituency Secretary of Bristol South Labour Party
I am very happy to endorse Tom Renhard as candidate for the Weca Mayor.
I think that Tom has the right experience, political acumen and diplomatic skill to do the job.
Teresa Stratford
Chair of Bristol North-West Labour Party
I am endorsed by the following organisations
I am backed in the following Constituency Labour Party’s: Bath, Bristol North West, Bristol South, Filton & Bradley Stoke, North East Somerset & Hanham.