City of Leicester to have an elected Mayor

[davieG]

But the honorary Lord Mayor's position in the city – currently held by Councillor Colin Hall – will remain.

From the Merc

By David Maclean, Political Correspondent

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.

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.

[FoxyPV]

That's Ultra fooked then.

[Bellend Sebastian]

That's Ultra fooked then.

Aren't you going to vote for him?

Assuming he's standing. He might consider his work to be almost done - he's achieved a lot in his short time in office

[FoxyPV]

Aren't you going to vote for him?

Assuming he's standing. He might consider his work to be almost done - he's achieved a lot in his short time in office

Unless they are extending the postal voting to belfast, it would be unlikely.

As long as he holds onto his trousers every time he does I'm sure people will be more accepting.

[Guest Bilo]

That's Ultra fooked then.

Wouldn't be so sure, the city of Leicester is very Labour and if he is chosen as their candidate he would probably win it even with the criticism he's taken during his tenure. Whether Labour chose him as candidate is another matter.

[Ultra]

A few guns are being jumped here.

First of all, it is far from certain that the Council will vote for a change of system. Many Labour councillors are deeply unhappy with the decision yesterday. It is possible they could rebel and form an alliance with the opposition to vote this proposal down.

In EVERY other area of England where a directly-elected mayor is currently in place, the residents of those areas have given their approval via a referendum. I and my constituents would expect that the people of Leicester would also be given the chance to have their say before any changes are introduced.

Finally, if a mayoral election did take place, the outcome is far from certain. The battle for the Labour nomination would be a bloodbath and help to pave the way for an independent, anti-political candidate (possibly with media backing) to take the office, as has happened in a number of similar elections elsewhere. The worst-case scenario could see an extreme right-winger elected, as happened in Doncaster last year, which would destroy Leicester's reputation as a beacon for community harmony.

At a time when severe cuts (perhaps as much as 30%) to council services are being threatened during the next four years, the question arises as to why these changes are being suggested.

The interests and wellbeing of the city do not appear to feature too heavily in the answer..

PS In response to Bilo's query, if and when this post is created, there is absolutely NO chance of me seeking any nomination for it.

[Manwell Pablo]

A few guns are being jumped here.

First of all, it is far from certain that the Council will vote for a change of system. Many Labour councillors are deeply unhappy with the decision yesterday. It is possible they could rebel and form an alliance with the opposition to vote this proposal down.

In EVERY other area of England where a directly-elected mayor is currently in place, the residents of those areas have given their approval via a referendum. I and my constituents would expect that the people of Leicester would also be given the chance to have their say before any changes are introduced.

Finally, if a mayoral election did take place, the outcome is far from certain. The battle for the Labour nomination would be a bloodbath and help to pave the way for an independent, anti-political candidate (possibly with media backing) to take the office. The worst-case scenario could see an extreme right-winger elected, as happened in Doncaster last year, which would destroy Leicester's reputation as a beacon for community harmony.

At a time when severe cuts (perhaps as much as 30%) to council services are being threatened during the next four years, the question arises as to why these changes are being introduced.

The interests and wellbeing of the city do not appear to feature too heavily in the answer..

PS In response to Bilo's query, if and when this post is created, there is absolutely NO chance of me getting any votes so why would I bother

That's better.

[Zingari]

"Voters will be consulted, although there is no need for a referendum."

in other words , ignored

[Ultra]

It's just as well there isn't a mayoral election planned for Coalville. On recent evidence, the outcome of that wouldn't be in any doubt.

[Manwell Pablo]

It's just as well there isn't a mayoral election planned for Coalville. On recent evidence, the outcome of that wouldn't be in any doubt.

I live in Ashby you Prick, your Geography is about as tight as your belt.

[Zingari]

I live in Ashby you Prick, your Geography is about as tight as your belt.

manners !!!

Right Worshipful Prick if you don't mind

[Dr The Singh]

manners !!!

Right Worshipful Prick if you don't mind

I wouldn't say it while he had his trousers down (which is most of the time), otherwise he would take it as a compliment!!!

[Webbo]

That's Ultra fooked then.

There has to be a first time for everyone.

[FoxyPV]

There has to be a first time for everyone.

I thought he got some off of blonde 18year old twins?

[Fox You Forest]

I thought he got some off of blonde 18year old twins?

Yeah, Jedward.

[Webbo]

I thought he got some off of blonde 18year old twins?

They wish.

[Jon the Hat]

A few guns are being jumped here.

First of all, it is far from certain that the Council will vote for a change of system. Many Labour councillors are deeply unhappy with the decision yesterday. It is possible they could rebel and form an alliance with the opposition to vote this proposal down.

In EVERY other area of England where a directly-elected mayor is currently in place, the residents of those areas have given their approval via a referendum. I and my constituents would expect that the people of Leicester would also be given the chance to have their say before any changes are introduced.

Finally, if a mayoral election did take place, the outcome is far from certain. The battle for the Labour nomination would be a bloodbath and help to pave the way for an independent, anti-political candidate (possibly with media backing) to take the office, as has happened in a number of similar elections elsewhere. The worst-case scenario could see an extreme right-winger elected, as happened in Doncaster last year, which would destroy Leicester's reputation as a beacon for community harmony.

At a time when severe cuts (perhaps as much as 30%) to council services are being threatened during the next four years, the question arises as to why these changes are being suggested.

The interests and wellbeing of the city do not appear to feature too heavily in the answer..

PS In response to Bilo's query, if and when this post is created, there is absolutely NO chance of me seeking any nomination for it.

Bloodbath? Good to see Labour in local government are as cohesive as Labour in National Government.

[breadandcheese]

Bloodbath? Good to see Labour in local government are as cohesive as Labour in National Government.

Maybe they'll just use the Phil Woolas tactics of political campaigning.

[Thracian]

"Voters will be consulted, although there is no need for a referendum."

in other words , ignored

Exactly.

Of course there should be a referendum.

And the mayor should be independent and able to do what's best for the City instead of being beholden to party politics.

We have a prime example of people's wishes being ignored with the planned changes at Leicester Market

Labour councillor Paul Westley has his ill-conceived vision and that's that. And if he claims he's listened and taken notice then he must be talking to different people from me because I've not heard a single voice in favour of his scheme as yet and that includes both public and stallholders.

The £600,000 revamp centres around gazebo stalls (that are seriously unsuited to bad weather) and an outdoor food piazza in what is a wind trap, as if the pigeons aren't enough of a nuisance without flocks of seagulls as well. There's no word of how the council will attract the continental weather ideal for such a development but, based on this last calendar year, the whole scheme would have been a disaster.

[davieG]

From the Merc

Leicester businessman could be city's first elected mayor

Rick Moore

Leicester is set to vote for its first elected mayor in May. David Maclean reports on the first possible candidate – and how the system has worked elsewhere

An independent candidate who has never held public office could end up running Leicester from next May.

Chartered surveyor Rick Moore is the first independent to throw his hat into the ring to become the city's first elected mayor.

The president-elect of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce believes he has a chance of winning if the planned election goes ahead in six months' time.

Mr Moore, 65, said: "I've backed the idea of elected mayor for some time now, but I do fear that we will end up with another party politician in charge.

"That's why I am stating my interest in standing for the role should an election be held."

Out of the 12 towns and cities across Britain with an elected mayor, a third have been won by people with no party political ties.

Mr Moore said any candidacy would be based on bringing his decades of business experience to local government.

He said: "I don't have an eye-catching gimmick. I'd just want to use my business knowledge to run the city responsibly. Financial problems such as those faced by De Montfort Hall, for example, wouldn't happen on my watch.

"I'd want the council to keep a tight rein on budgets and step in quickly to stop overspends. I'd want to see value for money achieved with every service and in every department. But at the same time I'd be keen to make sure we properly looked after those who were genuinely vulnerable in society."

Local government expert Professor Colin Copus said there was every chance an independent could win in the city – potentially shattering the dreams of party political candidates with years of experience.

Prof Copus, from Leicester University said: "It throws open the possibility of anyone standing for mayor. They no longer need a background in party politics to win."

In Hartlepool, a call-centre worker who campaigned for office dressed as a monkey won the election.

In 2002, Stuart Drummond stood on a platform of giving free bananas to children, but has since built a cross-party cabinet coalition and been re-elected for a second term.

In Middlesbrough "Robocop" Ray Mallon was a former police detective who left the force to stand for public office. He won with an overwhelming majority and has since been credited with helping to cut crime in the city.

Peter Davies stood as an English Democrat in Doncaster, beating mainstream parties.

And former newsagent Tony Egginton has won two terms as elected mayor of Mansfield, even beating a challenge from the local Labour MP in 2007.

He said: "Leicester would benefit from an independent mayor who is removed from party politics. If someone can run a campaign which shows they have integrity and can be trusted then they have a good chance of winning."

One city Labour cabinet member who is opposed to the creation of an elected mayor, said: "The party is focused on which member will win the party's nomination. But there's the chance we could get blind-sided by a popular high-profile candidate who has never been a politician."

[Thracian]

From the Merc

Leicester businessman could be city's first elected mayor

Rick Moore

Leicester is set to vote for its first elected mayor in May. David Maclean reports on the first possible candidate and how the system has worked elsewhere

An independent candidate who has never held public office could end up running Leicester from next May.

Chartered surveyor Rick Moore is the first independent to throw his hat into the ring to become the city's first elected mayor.

The president-elect of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce believes he has a chance of winning if the planned election goes ahead in six months' time.

Mr Moore, 65, said: "I've backed the idea of elected mayor for some time now, but I do fear that we will end up with another party politician in charge.

"That's why I am stating my interest in standing for the role should an election be held."

Out of the 12 towns and cities across Britain with an elected mayor, a third have been won by people with no party political ties.

Mr Moore said any candidacy would be based on bringing his decades of business experience to local government.

He said: "I don't have an eye-catching gimmick. I'd just want to use my business knowledge to run the city responsibly. Financial problems such as those faced by De Montfort Hall, for example, wouldn't happen on my watch.

"I'd want the council to keep a tight rein on budgets and step in quickly to stop overspends. I'd want to see value for money achieved with every service and in every department. But at the same time I'd be keen to make sure we properly looked after those who were genuinely vulnerable in society."

Local government expert Professor Colin Copus said there was every chance an independent could win in the city potentially shattering the dreams of party political candidates with years of experience.

Prof Copus, from Leicester University said: "It throws open the possibility of anyone standing for mayor. They no longer need a background in party politics to win."

In Hartlepool, a call-centre worker who campaigned for office dressed as a monkey won the election.

In 2002, Stuart Drummond stood on a platform of giving free bananas to children, but has since built a cross-party cabinet coalition and been re-elected for a second term.

In Middlesbrough "Robocop" Ray Mallon was a former police detective who left the force to stand for public office. He won with an overwhelming majority and has since been credited with helping to cut crime in the city.

Peter Davies stood as an English Democrat in Doncaster, beating mainstream parties.

And former newsagent Tony Egginton has won two terms as elected mayor of Mansfield, even beating a challenge from the local Labour MP in 2007.

He said: "Leicester would benefit from an independent mayor who is removed from party politics. If someone can run a campaign which shows they have integrity and can be trusted then they have a good chance of winning."

One city Labour cabinet member who is opposed to the creation of an elected mayor, said: "The party is focused on which member will win the party's nomination. But there's the chance we could get blind-sided by a popular high-profile candidate who has never been a politician."

The cabinet member's comment is as good an advert for an independent as you could get - because he clearly indicates that he's far more concerned about the proposed new mayor's effect on the Labour group's power than on what is best for the people and the City of Leicester.

Quite what the merit of having been a "politician" is I don't know. As a group I'd suggest their reputation among members of the public is about as low as it could be with all the lies, deceit, irresponsibility, poor decision-making and self-serving that has been their hallmark for so long.

[Finnegan]

As if the average Cllr constitutes 'a politician.' Heh. I have no objection to an indepenent but I would say that a mayor who is politically aligned to the majority of the council will result in more harmonious governance and I'd say the same even if we had a Tory council.

[Manwell Pablo]

As if the average Cllr constitutes 'a politician.' Heh. I have no objection to an indepenent but I would say that a mayor who is politically aligned to the majority of the council will result in more harmonious governance and I'd say the same even if we had a Tory council.

Leicester City will always be Labour council I'd wager.

[Dr The Singh]

This is just great, other places have had guys dressed in a monkey suit and won and election, what's the chances of a trouser droppping troll winning it!!!

PS - I know Ultra has said he doesn't want to enter but as soon as he finds out about the monkey, I feel he's either moving to hartlepool or considering his options!! Personally I hope he foooks of to hartlepool.

[Finnegan]

Leicester City will always be Labour council I'd wager.

Exactly.