Local people tell Mercia they don’t want Boris-style mayor

[dutchman]

An exclusive Mercia poll has found three quarters of people in Coventry don’t want the city to have a Boris Johnson style mayor.



The government has picked Coventry as one of 12 UK cities to hold a referendum on it in May next year.

It will come at a cost of £98,000 to city taxpayers after Westminster decided not to find the cash for it.

The mayor would replace the council leader of Chief Executive and if people vote for it next Spring one of the people currently in those roles will act as a quasi-mayor ahead of another vote to decide on the first official mayor in May 2013.

Ministers believe a mayor would provide stronger leadership and help improve local economies and tackle social problems. They would also be more closely monitored and be directly chosen by local people.

A Mercia poll has found just 25 per cent agree it’s a good idea – with most angry that they are going to have to foot the bill for the vote.

Coventry councillor Ed Ruane has already raised the issue, he said:

“This is absolutely scandalous. The Government has cut Coventry City Council’s budget but now expects us to pay for a Mayoral referendum which the Government is insisting Coventry holds.

“I am happy for the people of Coventry to decide, but we did not ask to have a referendum – why should we pay for it?

“Right now if you ask my constituents would you rather pay for the social care of an elderly citizen or fork out tens of thousands on a referendum I know which they would choose.”“It is an utter disgrace and the Government should rethink these proposals”