Simon Says 'Don't Dodge the Voters'

Simon Sansome, local activist has written to local press with his concerns that the Labour run City Council will dodge giving the people of Leicester a say on having an elected Mayor.

"He said, 'I am disgusted that a few local councillors can force the people of Leicester to have an election for an elected mayor.' The leader of Leicester City Council stated that: "Voters will be consulted, although there is no need for a referendum." Well, how about letting the voters vote on the issue rather than being consulted."

"It is not the place of the councillors to choose to have an elected mayor for the people of Leicester. It is for the people of Leicester to choose if they want an elected mayor."

"The opposition parties are not in favour of an elected mayor being appointed without a referendum. Being so close to local elections it is irresponsible for the Labour Party to force an elected mayor on to the people of Leicester. Labour cannot predict what will happen in next year's elections. If Labour lose the local elections and lose control of the council but win the mayoral seat, Labour still control the Council."

"I would not have a problem with this as long as the people of Leicester get to vote on whether to have an elected mayor. This is not giving people the vote they deserve. This is sneaking an elected mayor in through the back door, trying to keep control of the City Council."

A special meeting of Leicester City Council has been organised to discuss the proposal for an elected mayor this coming Friday evening.