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Campaigners say big no to super-mayor

11:35am Thursday 13th September 2001


CAMPAIGNERS claim democracy and public services will suffer if residents agree to let their council be led by a politically-powerful mayor.

A group opposed to the plan, Democracy for Lewisham, is going head-to-head with the Lewisham Says Yes campaign.

The mayor is currently chosen by councillors from the majority party to chair meetings and act as a civic figurehead.

Under the proposed system, residents will choose their own executive mayor who will be able to influence the actions of the council. This person doesn't have to be an existing councillor or member of a party, but can be anyone who gets enough nominations.

Residents will decide the issue next month when Lewisham Council holds a referendum.

Supporters of the cross-party “no” campaign, including GLA Green leader Darren Johnson and two former council leaders, Jim Mallory and Ron Stockbridge, spoke out at a press conference last Wednesday.

Mr Mallory said: “Concentrating power in the hands of one person will create a system of patronage, lead to cronyism and, dare I say it, corruption.

“Many councillors are unhappy about the mayor-and-cabinet model, which has been around for the two years. Services have gone to the private sector and pushed through without much debate.”

Liberal Democrat leader and Downham ward councillor Cathy Priddy added: “Under the system of a directly-elected mayor this can only get worse. It is concentrating power in a way the Soviet Union of the 1970s would be proud of.”

Yes campaign deputy chairman Councillor Barrie Andersen said: “It is scaremongering to say democracy is being sacrificed. A directly-elected mayor is accountable to the people because he/she will have been voted in. I think services are more at risk under a leader and cabinet model.”

Former Labour Party deputy leader Roy Hattersley will be headlining a public meeting promoting the case for democracy at the Rivoli Ballroom, Brockley, on September 26.

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