David Cameron: I want Birmingham mayor
AN ELECTED mayor could be running Birmingham in just over three years’ time if the Conservatives win the next General Election, it has emerged.
Tory ministers will fast-track legislation through Parliament if they come to power, forcing the city council to organise a referendum on the issue.
The vote could be held in May 2011, and if there is a majority in favour of a London-style mayor then a mayoral election could be staged in May 2012.
Tory leader David Cameron made it clear yesterday that he believes cities like Birmingham are more likely to succeed with a mayor. He wants the 12 largest English cities, led by Birmingham, to organise referendums as quickly as possible.
Speaking in Coventry at the launch of his party’s green paper on returning power to local communities, Mr Cameron praised New York mayor Michael Bloomberg as the type of person he wanted to see “energising” English cities. Mayors would replace the existing leader and cabinet system of local government, effectively handing power to run Birmingham to one person.
The rapid timetable will further embarrass Mike Whitby, the Conservative leader of Birmingham City Council, who is opposed to elected mayors.
Liberal Democrat members of the ruling council coalition are also opposed, but Labour has promised its members a free vote on the issue.
Mr Cameron’s enthusiasm confirmed that a huge gulf over the issue has opened up between him and Coun Whitby.
Mr Cameron also revealed that a simple referendum majority in favour of a mayor – even by one vote – will be enough to force Birmingham and the other cities to advertise for candidates and organise mayoral elections. He said mayors were more accountable than council leaders, voters could more easily identify with figures like Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson and knew where to lay the blame if things went wrong.
He added: “Big cities need big characters to run them.”
