Chain of command

Nick Watson Producer Politics Show West Midlands

The poster says it all

You can read the full list of West Midlands MPs' expenses here...

You can read some of your comments on the programme here...

A campaign for a directly elected Mayor for Birmingham was dismissed the last time it was tried - but now it seems the "Second City" is having second thoughts. We have been finding out why ...

Whatever you think of Ken Livingstone's politics, there are few who would argue that the London Mayor has not helped to deliver headline policies like the successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and the congestion charge.

The Mayor, whoever he or she may be, also provides a political focus for London in a way which would be difficult for the 32 separate London boroughs.

The post has reinvigorated interest in local government in the city.

Who can fail to have noticed that the Conservatives have chosen Boris Johnson as their candidate?

"We believe that the voters of Birmingham have the right to decide whether or not they would like an elected mayor. Steve Dyson, Birmingham Mail Editor

Petition launched

Birmingham flirted with the idea, but decided to dump its own plans after they were met with a combination of indifference and hostility.

But now it is back on the political agenda because the main local daily newspaper, the Birmingham Mail, is trying to gather the 36,000-plus signatures required to force Birmingham City Council to hold a referendum on the issue once again.

Speaking at the launch of the petition earlier this year, Mail editor, Steve Dyson said: "We believe that the voters of Birmingham have the right to decide whether or not they would like an elected mayor.

"In every poll held so far on this subject, from as far back as 2001 to the last few weeks, people have indicated strong interest in making this decision."

Cross-party opposition

It's a matter of persuasion for West Midlands Minister Liam Byrne

Opinions among Birmingham city councillors are divided however.

Leading figures like Conservative Council Leader, Mike Whitby, and Liberal Democrat MP and City Councillor, John Hemming, oppose the idea.

In fact, back in 2001, Cllr Whitby was one of the leading lights in a cross-party group on the council who opposed elected Mayors.

Back then, the BBC reported his views thus.

Byrne boost

We need to make sure Birmingham punches its weight Liam Byrne MP

"Is one person really going to be concerned about the empty bins, pot-holes and lamp bulbs that don't work?" asked Cllr Whitby.

"That is what the people of Birmingham want addressed and that is what they get addressed by their local councillors."

Since then, he has been reluctant to talk publicly about the issue - perhaps because his party leader, David Cameron, is more of an enthusiast.

The Mail campaign received a significant boost recently when the Birmingham Hodge Hill MP and newly appointed Minister for the West Midlands, Liam Byrne, gave his backing.

Good for jobs

He joined the petitioners at the Fox & Goose shopping centre at the heart of his constituency and explained why he is backing the campaign.

Liam Byrne said: "When you look at what's happened in London you can see that London is now a city that's on the move.

The signatures accumulate...

"There's very clear, very strong leadership, a very strong sense of direction and that's good for business and good for jobs.

"We need to make sure that Birmingham punches its weight."

With big names, including Birmingham City FC Chief Executive, Karren Brady and former CBI boss, Sir Digby Jones, already expressing interest in the job, it is clear it would be likely to attract high calibre, high profile candidates.

Our Political Editor Patrick Burns has been to find out if it is time for a new link in the chain of command in local government in Birmingham.

Also in the programme...

The Handsworth riots - what lessons learnt?

Ghosts from the past have been stirred by comments from the outgoing President of the National Black Police Association, Keith Jarrett, about use of stop and search powers.

In 1985, riots in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, were sparked in part, by alleged heavy-handed tactics by local police in using the powers. Powers Mr Jarrett would now like to see used more widely.

The Handsworth and Lozells district of the city have, in recent years, been linked with increasingly aggressive and murderous battles between rival gangs like the Burger Bar Boys and the Johnson Crew - so Mr Jarrett's fears about gun crime are justified.

Grave ramifications

It will lead to riots and alienate communities Derrick Campbell, Home Office Advisor

"The black community is telling me we have to look at this," he said.

Derrick Campbell, National Advisor to the Home Office on Gun Crime, who was born in Handsworth thinks Mr Jarrett has got it wrong.

"Any comments or suggestions to increase the use of the Sus laws will have grave ramifications," insists Derrick Campbell, "it will lead to riots and alienate communities.

"It will not enhance community relations, it will not decrease criminal activity and will only increase the wedge of suspicion that already exist in communities."

You can read the full list of West Midlands MPs' expenses here...

Our reporter Katie Inman has been to Handsworth and Lozells to find out what people there think.

Get in touch with your views by e-mailing on the form at the bottom of this page or call us on 0845 300 1138.

Take a look at what it takes to get our outside broadcasts into the programme... In pictures

Join the Politics Show on Sunday 28 October 2007at the usual time of 12:00 GMT

If you have an issue you would like us to follow up then please write to the producer of the show: Nick Watson, BBC Politics Show, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF or email [e-mail]