The fallout from the Rising Tide protest has cast a harsh spotlight on Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge’s leadership, and it’s time for him to step down. His unilateral decision to approve the controversial protest not only defied police safety warnings but also led to chaos, including nearly 200 arrests and the injury of a police officer.
Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull has been outspoken in his criticism, accusing Kerridge of enabling radical activists and ignoring past evidence of their disruptive behavior. “No one in the city should buy the excuse that the Lord Mayor was somehow misled,” Pull asserted, pointing out that last year’s protest should have been a clear warning of what was to come.
Kerridge’s support for the protest, describing the group as “professional” and even attending the event, further demonstrates his failure to act responsibly as the city’s leading figure. Pull highlighted the Lord Mayor’s role in emboldening activists, saying, “He gave the green light to these people, ignoring the safety concerns raised by police and courts.”
This year’s protest was not just a repeat of past disruptions—it was significantly worse. The event saw young children placed in dangerous situations, including reports of babies in kayaks in the middle of the harbor, further underlining the recklessness of Kerridge’s decision.
Adding insult to injury, Kerridge now claims the council may reconsider approving the event next year, glossing over the fact that the original approval was a captain’s call, bypassing the input of other elected officials.
The consequences of Kerridge’s poor judgment have put public safety at risk and tarnished the city’s reputation. As Pull aptly put it, “He must now take full responsibility for what has occurred.”
Leadership demands accountability, and in this case, the only appropriate course of action is for Ross Kerridge to resign.
