The candidates who will be standing for Bristol’s first directly elected mayor are due to be officially announced on Wednesday, but many have already announced their intentions to run, so here is the best guess at the 14 men and one woman who will be appearing on the ballot paper on November 15:
Daniella Radice, Green
An environmental specialist, Radice has been campaigning on issues including making Bristol self-sufficient in renewable energy and the removal of billboards in the city.
www.daniellaformayor.wordpress.com
Dave Dobbs, The Birthday Party
Dave believes that the water in the Great Flood came from Mars. As mayor his pledges include implementing community food production and promoting sustainable energy.
www.thebirthdayparty.org.uk
Jon Rogers, Liberal Democrats
A recently retired GP, city councillor, and former executive member for care and health, Rogers is in the middle of a cycle tour of all of Bristol’s doctors surgeries.
www.jonrogers.org.uk
Geoff Gollop, Conservative
Bristol’s most recent Lord Mayor is a chartered accountant who lives in Henleaze. With his proficiency with a calculator, he claims he is “the only serious contender for mayor”.
www.geoffgollop.org.uk
George Ferguson, Bristol 1st
An architect who was Bristol’s first Liberal councillor, originally standing as an independent before registering Bristol 1st as a party as a “legal technicality”.
www.bristol1st.com
Marvin Rees, Labour
An NHS programme manager who has previously worked as a broadcast journalist for both the BBC and ITV, as a political campaigner and charity coordinator.
www.marvin4bristol.com
Neil Maggs, Respect
The school bursar is committed to anti-cuts and peace, justice and equality. “Let’s get Bristol back to work,” he says. “Bristol deserves Respect.”
www.maggsformayor.com
Owain George, Independent
The landlord of the Albion in Clifton Village – who remains in place despite the pub being recently bought by St Austell Brewery – and also owner of cafe 194° Farhenheit.
Philip Pover, Independent
Describes himself as “just an ordinary guy… (with) a lot of ideas about what is right and how Bristol can be improved for all Bristolians”. A fan of amateur dramatics.
www.philip-pover.co.uk
Rich Fisher, Independent
A graphic designer who promises to rip up red tape on new business start-ups, build around trees not through them and remove all traffic from the city centre.
www.mephistos-island.co.uk
Spud Murphy, Independent
A former Conservative councillor who advocated the removal of Banksy’s hanging man graffiti before getting on a cherry picker to try to clean it when it was vandalised.
Stoney Garnett, Indepedent
A former postman and football referee who lives in Whitchurch and is never seen without his red hat. Claims to know what the people of Bristol really think about.
Tim Collins, Independent
A planning consultant from Lockleaze promising to create jobs, prevent the redevelopment of Filton Airfield and give Bristol a transport system to be proud of.
www.facebook.com/TimCollins4Mayor
Tom Baldwin, Trade Unionists and Socialists Coalition
The youngest candidate promises to reverse the closures of seven day care centres and eight care homes in the city, campaigning against “attacks” on the NHS.
www.tusc.org.uk
Tony Britt, Independent
A Knowle Wester who was homeless in 2010. He promises to reinstate Bristol’s tram system and give up £10,000 of his wage so children can see shows at the Hippodrome.
www.twitter.com/TonyBritt1
Bristol Culture 
I think it’s got to be Red Trousered George x
Actually, no it doesn’t have to be George – there are other independent candidates standing and it’s up to the people of Bristol to choose. I hope you’ll keep an open mind and consider all the issues … ‘x’ aside, of course! :o)