Former Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, has disclosed financial interests following his ennoblement as Lord Rees of Easton. This declaration has sparked scrutiny due to connections between his recently established company, Three and Two Ltd, and organisations that signed significant contracts with Bristol City Council during his tenure as mayor.
Incorporated on April 19, 2024—just weeks before his exit from office—Three and Two Ltd is designated as a personal services company for consultancy work and public speaking. As required under parliamentary rules, Lord Rees has listed this company and its clients in his Registered Interests. His clientele includes various notable entities, such as Ameresco, Cambridge Management Consulting, the Mayors Migration Council, the University of Pennsylvania, Empire Fighting Chance, and the Overseas Development Institute.
Rees has been active in public speaking since his tenure as mayor, addressing various topics such as environmental issues, race, class, international development, and urban leadership. His participation in conferences spans locations across the UK and the US. Notably, his involvement with Ameresco drew attention because, under his leadership, Bristol City Council had entered into a public-private partnership with the company to initiate the Bristol City Leap project in 2022. This ambitious initiative, valued at £1 billion, aims to decarbonise the city’s infrastructure. The project's most apparent outcome so far is the development of a District Heat Network that provides renewable heating to several parts of Bristol.
Since leaving office, Rees has offered public speaking services to Ameresco, and last year, the Bristol City Leap project received the 2024 Award of Distinction for Public-Private Collaboration in Cities from the Global Partnership, a collaboration driven by the World Economic Forum and UN Habitat. In an article discussing the utilisation of technology for public sector decarbonisation, Lord Rees was also highlighted on the Cambridge Management Consulting website, where he is acknowledged as a presenter of a Ted Talk regarding the role of cities.
Moreover, Empire Fighting Chance—which operates a boxing club and charity aimed at mentoring youth in Bristol—has also engaged Rees through his consultancy, prompting additional scrutiny. During Rees' time as mayor, Bristol City Council approved the transfer of land and a youth centre to Empire Fighting Chance as part of a Community Asset Transfer Scheme. This initiative was designed to empower the charity to operate the facility at a nominal rent while facilitating the development of new affordable housing and sports facilities. Critics had previously voiced concerns about Rees not declaring his involvement with Empire Fighting Chance, a charity with which he has worked closely over the years.
Following his departure from mayoral office, Rees has continued to advocate for youth initiatives and community projects, including efforts to strengthen ties with similar organisations in Central America focusing on gang culture and youth support.
Responses from both Ameresco and Lord Rees regarding these financial relationships have been sought by local news outlet Bristol Live but are yet to be received.
Source: Noah Wire Services