Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Catch me on Sunday Politics West on BBC1 today (10am and iplayer) talking about flags on lamp posts, housing, Burnham saying Bristol should have mass transit and whether politicians should fly to meetings. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Out in sun delivering latest Henleaze Focus from me and fellow Liberal Democrat councillors. Wonder how many other city wards have a thatched cottage. 041
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Some advice on how to cope with several days of hot weather in Bristol, including a list of some cooler places and how the extreme weather impacts waste collections. news.bristol.gov.uk/press-releas...news.bristol.gov.ukHot weather advice and service updates from Bristol City Council 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Watching Question Time special re change to the 7th prime minister in a decade. Four person panel, 1 Labour, 1 Tory MP. I assume BBC tried all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs, all 80+ council leaders, found they all had prior engagements and turned in desperation to an unelected Reform gobshite & journalist 2157
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Seven Prime Ministers in ten years is a deep political problem - the biggest cause is our electoral system, totally unfit for multi-party politics, denying millions of people a voice and giving huge “majorities” to a party with a third of the vote, and an unmanageable government. 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 20/06/2026Joined the remaining Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers and their families at a new civil rights mural in North Street. The 1963 campaign for fair employment on Bristol buses led to the 1965 Race Relations Act. 064
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 19/06/2026Makerfield is the most consequential by election in a hundred years and the first to lead to the toppling of a Prime Minister since the Newport by election in 1922, which led to the exit of Lloyd George. Time for a second edition of this book @iaindale.bsky.social ? 201
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 17/06/2026Time for Britain to rejoin the EU Single Market, form a Customs Union and forge a stronger European defence pact. The Tory Brexit deal damaged our economy, Labour’s torpor and timidity has hampered recovery and Farage would make it all worse. The Liberal Democrat plan will make things better. 373
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 05/06/2026A day in York - first, a couple of churches, All Saints, Pavement, the city’s civic church and St Martin, bombed in WW2 and restored partially in the late 1960s, with a modern organ gifted by Germany. 100
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 04/06/2026North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Whitby Abbey. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 02/06/2026Another fab Yorkshire country house visit, to Burton Agnes Hall, built by the Welsh origin Griffith family in 1601. Has a superb and eclectic art collection. 220
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 01/06/2026Castle Howard, one of my best ever days out. Wanted to go here since I was a teen viewer of Brideshead Revisted. Magnificent house and parkland. 110
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Delighted to welcome @cllrzoe.bsky.social to the @bristollibdems.bsky.social council group. Zoe has today left Labour and joined us. She’s one of the brightest young talents on the council and will be a real asset to our group. @assoclibdemcllrs.bsky.social @libdemlocalgov.bsky.social 2207
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 24/05/2026Hot sunshine outside but St Mary Redcliffe church was mercifully cool for the annual historic Rush Sunday Whitsun service. The service was founded in 1493 as annual sermon to the mayor and councillors. The floor is strewn with rushes and councillors are presented with posies. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Moved by young people’s messages on a thousand “empty shirts” on College Green, expressing feelings about the impact of violence on people in Bristol. 000
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 16/05/2026Visited Cowbridge Museum, had some photos and cartoons of when Lloyd George was given the freedom of the borough in 1930. 001
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Historic event for Bristol and a lovely moment for all his colleagues as cllr Yassin Mohamud is sworn in as Lord Mayor of the city of Bristol and the first person of Somali origin to hold the post. 042
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 06/05/2026First elected to the council in Bristol 33 years ago today. Over periods in and out of office learnt something everyday and hopefully putting it all to good use back on the council now. Cllr official pics were still black and white then! 130
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 23/04/2026Best wishes to everyone on St George’s Day. England’s flag belongs to everyone and is a symbol of unity that represents all of us living in England. In Bristol we celebrate the many people, cultures and communities that make our city a welcoming, creative and vibrant place. 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 17/04/2026There are two sides to being a minister. Reactive - you read briefings, take advice and make a decision. Proactive - set your policy objectives, be curious, ask questions, and make a decision. Starmer seems to be a passive, uncurious man, in office without purpose. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Wishing the Jewish community in Bristol and the West of England, and across Britain a peaceful, happy and healthy Passover Chag Sameach! 031
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 28/03/2026Gave a talk at Westbury on Trym library on genealogy earlier this week so today took myself to Bridgwater to visit St Mary’s church where two of my great great grandparents married on Christmas Day in 1871. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 21/03/2026Enjoyed meeting several refugees and asylum seekers who are making Bristol their home and the place for their future lives. Thanks MShed Museum, Bristol Mind, SARI and others for putting on the event. My colleague Andrew Varney was reunited with Saboor, who he taught English. 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Lovely sunny day to be at the preview opening of the new gorilla enclosure at Bristol Zoo Project 030
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 16/03/2026Back from short break in York for a combination of Liberal Democracy and heritage site seeing. Fairfax house plus three great churches, Selby Abbey, Beverley Minster and of course York Minster. 011
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 12/03/2026About 40 years ago I remember being interested in a news story about the rescue of Calke Abbey mansion, which was also featured on Blue Peter. Today I finally got round to visiting, on my way to the Lib Dem spring conference. Thoroughly enjoyed it, including almost being blown over by the high wind. 151
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 09/03/2026Bristol marks Commonwealth Day. Our city is home to people from many of the 56 member states. 001
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 07/03/2026Been attending Bristol’s International Women’s Day. Met lots of groups doing important work in the city. On a panel incl Police Commissioner Clare Moody on “smashing the patriarchy” My answer was to dismantle and disempower it and to replace with much more diverse leadership in politics and society 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 04/03/2026The T20 Women’s World Cup comes to Bristol in 100 days. It felt like summer already at Gloucestershire county ground at the launch event. Bristol will host West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand, among others, bringing thousands of visitors to the city and encouraging more women and girls into sport. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 02/03/2026Purim Sameach! Happy Purim to all my Jewish friends in Bristol and across the country. 010
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 01/03/2026Happy St David's Day to all my fellow Welsh people in Bristol and around the world. Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus, pawb! 🏴🏵 031
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 24/02/2026It is time that SEND services are designated as critical infrastructure to put our kids first and stop offshore companies raking in millions in profit. Read about our calls to protect SEND kids and prevent our services being used as a cash cow by investment firms 👇 143
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 21/02/2026Well done Team GB on the silver medal in curling. Interesting to see that the IOC member presenting the medals was Hugh Robertson, who when he was a DCMS minister I worked with closely for the Liberal Democrat side of the Coalition on the Same Sex Marriage legislation. 031
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 21/02/2026Spending time with Bristol’s Ukrainian refugee community, at an event marking the 4th anniversary of the Russian invasion. Over a thousand refugees have been housed by Bristolians. Many Ukrainian children have now been born here. Slava Ukraini! 0103
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Lent and Ramadan coincide this year, for the first time in three decades. Best wishes to everyone in Bristol and beyond marking the next few weeks. There is much that unites us, let’s put out of our minds those that want to divide us. 031
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 16/02/202679.4% of Bristolians think the conditions of the roads are a problem. That's why the Liberal Democrats have secured an additional £1m for potholes and road repairs over the forthcoming year - giving our roads the boost they need. www.bristollibdems.org/news/article...bristollibdems.orgLiberal Democrats secure an extra £1m for filling potholes and repairing roads next yearBristol’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have secured an extra £1million of Council funding for filling potholes and repairs in 2026-27. 052
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 14/02/2026Twenty years ago today MPs voted for a comprehensive ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces. Controversial at the time but quickly seen as a major public health advance. Proud to have played a key part, as remembered here with other MPs of the time ash.org.uk/media-centre...ash.org.ukCelebrating 20 Years Since Parliament Voted to Introduce Indoor Smokefree Legislation - ASHAction on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco. 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 06/02/2026Ahead of next week’s HIV testing campaign, as Bristol’s Public Health lead, I took a test with our sexual health service, Yuno. It was quick and easy, with my result being negative. Full details attached about how to access free testing and advice. news.bristol.gov.uk/press-releases… 010
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 22/01/2026Our input to Bristol City's Council annual budget has secured additional money for cleaner streets, local community groups, better planning enforcement, and more. Read about the other areas we have secured money for below ⬇️ www.bristollibdems.org/news/article...bristollibdems.orgMoney secured for cleaner streets, community groups and planning enforcementBristol’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have secured additional funds for the party's priorities in the City Council’s draft budget. 082
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 09/01/2026With rumours of a Government u-turn on planned business rates rises, it is “absolutely urgent” for Ministers to provide clarity to pubs, hospitality, and high street businesses. www.bristollibdems.org/news/article...bristollibdems.orgHospitality businesses facing "last chance saloon"With rumours of a Government u-turn on planned business rates rises, it is “absolutely urgent” for Ministers to provide clarity to pubs, hospitality, and high street businesses. 042
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 14/12/2025Best wishes for Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends in Bristol and beyond. Chanukah Sameach! 030
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 24/11/2025Community groups are facing astronomical increases in fees to hire council venues. Liberal Democrat Councillor @cllr-andrew-varney.bsky.social has been campaigning to restore fair fees for our vital local community groups ⬇️ 172
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 06/11/2025We have sent the Government a clear message: It's time to step up and fairly fund councils for providing Council Tax exemptions. This week, Bristol City Council backed our calls for the Government to fund the value of student council tax exemptions - totalling £25m this year. 132
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 06/11/2025Flu spreads more easily in autumn when we spend time together indoors. If you are eligible the flu vaccine can help protect you from getting seriously ill. Find out more about the free NHS flu vaccine at grabajab.net or watch this film www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8tz... #winterstrong 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 26/10/2025On Politics West this morning, discussing the political scene, the continued sinking of both Tories and Labour, with me promoting the rising orange Liberal tide and Carla Denyer a Green surge. We agreed that local government is underfunded. Nice to meet Simon Opher MP for Stroud. 051
Reposted by Stephen WilliamsBristol Lib Dems @bristollibdems.bsky.social · 20/10/2025Our hospices have been pushed to the brink. Hundreds of beds lie empty because there is not enough funding or staff. Services across the country have been pared back and 4 in 10 of hospices say they will have to make cuts this year. Protect our hospices: sign our petition ⬇️ 142
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 14/10/2025Joined council and community colleagues for the raising of the flag on College Green to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week. Bristol is a city that values and cherishes everyone, where racism, homophobia and hateful comments or actions to anyone are unacceptable. 050
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 26/09/2025Saddened by the death of former Liberal Democrat leader Ming Campbell. He was an outstanding parliamentarian with a great personal back story in the law and athletics. To me he was a much cherished avuncular mentor and friend. RIP 😢 020
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 25/09/2025Great turnout of donors at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery to see the new exhibition of rarely seen Turner water colours and other pictures and objects associated with Hotwells and the Avon Gorge. Pleased to thank donors and friends on behalf of the council. 040
Stephen Williams @stephenwi11iams.bsky.social · 22/09/2025Britain’s recognition of a sovereign state of Palestine 🇵🇸 is the right thing to do, at a critical time. The symbolism matters but the act must be more than symbolic. Britain and our European neighbours must use all our diplomatic and economic leverage to make Israel negotiate with Palestine. 020