The people of Manchester will be asked to decide whether or not they want an elected mayor on May 3, the government has confirmed.
Orders have now come into force that give the go-ahead for the vote in 10 major cities on the same day as local government elections. Voters will be asked to vote yes or no as to whether they want a directly elected mayor, like London's Boris Johnson, to oversee decision-making in the city.
The government believes mayors will provide stronger, more visible leadership in England's largest cities. Leaders in Greater Manchester believe a mayor for the entire city region, with responsibility for all ten council areas, would have been a better option than a figurehead just for Manchester.
If residents in Manchester vote in favour of a mayor, an election would take place on November 15 – the same day voters in Greater Manchester will be asked to elect the region's first police and crime commissioner.
Directly elected mayors in Greater Manchester: A chance to give your view
Mayoral election in Manchester to be held in November if residents vote in favour during May referendum
Salford votes 'Yes' for directly elected mayor in referendum
Manchester will go to the polls on May 3 to vote in elected mayor referendum
February 09, 2012
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The council must have money to burn.
Greater Manchester needs a Mayor with the same powers as the London Mayor. Greater Manchester is develioped into a city region and as such much from the police to the transport system is managed at a county level without any direct democratic accountability.
A county-wide Mayor would be a much better solution for the entire county, providing much needed democratic accountability and co-ordination. The democratic system needs to evolve to match the evolving demands of this city region.
Here comes the congestion charge by stealth. Vote yes at your peril.
My answer will be a firm NO.
No more grasping agenda-driven politicians please.
Besides, if we get a mayor it'll inevitably end up being Leese. No thanks!
I will only accept a mayor if we abolish the top tier of all the local councils in return.
Never being afraid of change or progress and without hesitation I must proclaim my interest in this post of Manchester Mayor
having been caught up in the Thursday 6pm tram breakdown in the cold and wet along with hundreds of others outside the site of the nice new town hall development it would be my pleasure to kick ass in that town hall and its service suppliers on behalf of people who have to suffer the misery our elected cause, will any one of the elected say SORRY ?
Possible 10- 20% turnout?
We may want a mayor, but we certainly don't want one "like Boris Johnson"