Weca mayoral elections: Ian Scott

On Thursday 1 May voters in the West of England will decide on their next regional mayor.

You can find more information about the election and the candidates here.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) is a local authority encompassing the council areas of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) and South Gloucestershire. The Authority is led by the West of England Mayor.

Mr Scott is a current councillor representing the South Gloucestershire ward of Woodstock.

He was originally elected as a Labour candidate, but now sits as an independent after a falling out with the party when he didn't make Labour's Weca Mayoral shortlist.

He subsequently accused Labour of ageism and sexism, and is now standing as an independent candidate.

Labour has disputed his claims, and said Mr Scott didn't turn up for his selection interview. The party added that he was barred for standing against the Labour candidate, as per its rules.

Mr Scott was born in North Somerset and has lived in Filton since 1988. He says he has 40 years of political experience, including 12 years as a policy advisor to both Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

He has previously worked for the Post Office and is currently a regional union representative.

He has served on both Filton and South Gloucestershire Councils and has extolled the virtue of his 61 years saying "experience is a good thing".

Mr Scott believes that the West of England Combined Authority has been "short-changed" by the government's recent Devolution Bill.

His policies include demanding money back from central government to spend on local services in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

He says he's supporting improved bus routes and fares, new local train services and "more respect for car users".

Mr Scott has no party financial backing and is paying the £5,000 entrance fee out of his Post Office pension.

He needs to receive at least 5% of the vote in order to get his deposit back.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.