Welcoming a new Lord Mayor

I am currently sitting in the Council chamber for the creation of Bristol's latest Lord Mayor, Peter Main.  The Lord Mayor is a largely ceremonial post that is shared on an annual basis between all the parties and this time it is the Lib Dems' turn. It's a demanding role, representing the Council and the city at a massive range of community events.

Peter's year marks, I believe, a new step forwards for the role of Lord Mayor. Peter is, in his words, a member of the LGBT community and I think this makes him the first Lord Mayor in Bristol to be gay - out, at least.

I don't believe in reducing individuals to the categories to which they belong, but I do believe in the importance of symbols in marking social change and progress. Therefore, I think it is great for Bristol to have a gay man as its 'first citizen' for the next year - a mark of the diversity, plurality and liberalism of our city.

I wish Peter all the best for the coming year - I hope he enjoys it!