People of Leicester set to choose an elected mayor for the city
The people of Leicester are set to elect an all-powerful mayor to run the city for the first time next May.
The winner of the election – in which anyone can stand – will become one of the most powerful, directly-elected politicians in the country.
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Leicester Town Hall
Debate has raged for months over whether to have an elected mayor, but last night the controlling Labour group on the city council backed the proposal.
Council leader Councillor Veejay Patel said: "An elected mayor will give power back to the people, rather than politicians.
"The public votes will give an elected mayor the mandate to get things done."
Voters will be consulted, although there is no need for a referendum.
If a special full council meeting gives the go-ahead, the vote would take place next May – on the same day as local elections and a referendum on a new proportional representation voting system.
At present the council leader is selected by fellow councillors and cabinet positions are selected by the local party, meaning the leader has less influence over policy.
An elected mayor will select his or her own cabinet to control every policy area in the city – from schools and transport to finance and regeneration.
Leicester South MP and former city council leader Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This is very good news. It is only right that the people of Leicester should have the right to choose who they want to have the powers.
"I've long made it clear that I want to be the elected mayor of Leicester, but no doubt there'll be several people who put themselves forward for the role."
Another former council leader, Councillor Ross Willmott, will also be in the running to become the Labour candidate.
Councillor Manish Sood, the Labour parliamentary candidate who openly criticised Gordon Brown during the general election, also plans to run.
City council Tory opposition leader Councillor Ross Grant said the council was pushing it through without full public consent. He said: "This course of action seems to be driven by the personal ambition of malcontent politicians."
The honorary Lord Mayor's position in the city – currently held by Councillor Colin Hall – will remain.
Related article: Public can give someone power and influence
24 Comments
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by Kulgan, Crydee
Wednesday, November 10 2010, 10:15AM
“Rob,
Great sarcastic comment. We all know who Bandwagon Vaz stands up for....”
by Rob, Leicester
Wednesday, November 10 2010, 9:59AM
“There is only one person who will stand up for all sections of the community. Keith Vaz”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Wednesday, November 10 2010, 9:11AM
“Steve of Anstey,
I have heard of Conservatives and in fact all parties that have held democracy in contempt.
Most recent of all of course, Phil Woolas... which party was he again?”
by david, leics
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 10:12PM
“Pete Coley states
"We were scheduled to get a referendum on whether we want a mayor in May and it is very sad that a small group of local politicians who clearly just want power for it's own sake are intent on taking that right away from us."
Isn't that what we already have ? Can we have a referendum on a ZERO council tax rise and less services? I thought not, because you "just want the power"!
An elected mayor, prefer the one in Doncaster though!!”
by Graham, Whetstone
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 7:26PM
“Anyone get the impression from most of the comments that this would be just another snout in the trough?
Wonder why that is?...”
by martin, le3
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 5:12PM
“"All this, presumably, 'as come about by the shenanigans of the present incumbent who has done his level best to demean this high office."
Obviously not - as the proposed elected mayor and Lord Mayor are seperate things. The proposal is that Leicester has both.
Patrick, Germany - perhaps you could share some of your insight and give us some of the benefits of having such a mayor? I am aware that they are common in Europe, but their success appears a little patchy in the UK. They certainly dont seem to have been popular where there has been a referendum.”
by David, Great Easton, Rural Leicestershire.
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 4:46PM
“All this, presumably, as come about by the shenanigans of the present incumbent who has done his level best to demean this high office.
Why shouldn't the good folk of the City of Leicester choose who they would like for this important position?
At least I hope they have the good sense not to elect Willmott.”
by Patrick, Germany
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 4:34PM
“This is a serious and interesting subject. What a pity some many comments are facetious, uninformed or even (mis)quoting French. In most neighbouring Countries towns of all sizes are run by a Mayor. Unfortunately in all except the smaller towns the Mayor is a member of a large political party, so to get all his ideas past the council he needs Political support. I have experience of their work at close quarters and quite like the system but how will this go down in Leicester where we are not used to an omnipotent
individual running things?”
by Charlie, Leicester
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 2:52PM
“Let's hope an 'all-powerful' elected mayor will have powers to inspect and close down the illegal sweat shops uncovered in the Channel 4 Dispatches programme.
Leicester City Council regeneration spokesman Councillor Abdul Osman washed his hands of the problem: "The city council doesn't have the powers to deal with the issues the programme has raised, such as illegal workers and low pay."”
by martin, le3
Tuesday, November 09 2010, 2:43PM
“Vote Filbert Fox - its the only reasonable response!
Its also worth noting that there have been 37 referendums, and in only 12 of them have the public voted for a mayor...
Some seem unable to get to grips with the following:
1. the Lord Mayor is ceremonial
2. the proposed elected mayor has real political power
3. 2. is not a replacement of 1. it is a new level of local government”