Elected Mayors

Tom Burridge
Politics Show West
BBC West

Elected mayors: track records are mixed

The West's Tories are keen to bring an elected mayor to Bristol or Bath.

However, the people of Gloucester and Cheltenham have already said "no" and the track record of England's 13 other elected mayors is mixed.

A Boris for Bristol?

The Boris vs. Ken show increased turnout in the London Elections.

Here is what the new London Mayor said when the Politics Show asked him whether there should be more elected mayors in England:

"I hope they will go that way, I think it's important that big cities have a single voice, someone who can represent their interests to government."

Vote 'yes' for West Country Mayors

Some argue an elected mayor in Bristol or Bath would spice up local politics and make it popular with the Masses.

"Mayors like Ken or Boris have been strong advocates for their area getting extra benefits for London that should galvanise interest from other cities that want the same benefits", said Guy Lodge from the Institute for Public Policy Research.

Lucky 13?

There are 13 elected mayors in England.

Some have added personality to politics.

Ray 'Robocop' Mallen in Middlesbrough and former monkey mascot Stuart Drummond in Hartlepool are two of the best known.

A lone ranger

The only elected Mayor in the South West is Torbay's Nick Bye. He decides how the council's budget is spent.

Nevertheless, he still needs the approval of two thirds of the local council.

He wants more power from the government in areas such as transport and policing. He thinks there should be more elected mayors in the West.

"Nick has the vision, he's got these powers and he's not squabbling with politicians - he's above the politics", said Keith Richardson, a local hotelier.

But like any politician, he also has his critics. Mark Hellyer set up a petition against the town's elected mayor. "It's not the vision of the people of Torbay, it's the vision of an outside consultant who's paid top dollar," he said.

'Give us our Boris'

After victory in London the Tories in Bristol want an elected Mayor.

"I would suggest we reduce the number of councillors dramatically at least by half and give the mayor a much bigger role - a mayor for Greater Bristol," said Peter Abraham, the city's current Conservative, ceremonial mayor.

But as the Politics Show West phoned Lib Dem and Labour MPs this week, not all were in favour.

Bath's Don Fostor says local government in the West needs improving, but an elected mayor would be "no quick fix".

Join Jon Sopel and David Garmston on BBC One at 12:00 GMT, Sunday 11 May 2008 ...or click the latest programme button at the top of this page.

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