Mixed views in city about directly-elected mayor

LORD Andrew Adonis took time out on a visit to Nottingham yesterday to find out whether the city would welcome a directly-elected mayor.

Lord Adonis, who was in the city for a meeting about high speed rail, is also director of the Institute for Government, an independent advisory body which is preparing a report for Communities and Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles about how prepared cities are for an elected mayor.

Lord Adonis said he had heard mixed views from Nottingham.

He said: "There is some support there. Former council leader John Taylor was saying it could well provide a more visible leadership for the city and for the conurbation."

He also spoke to Professor Karen Cox, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, who he said felt it could give the city a more high profile leader.

He also met Nottingham City Council leader Jon Collins, who is against the proposals, and chief executive Jane Todd.

The city council has voted against proposals to introduce the mayors but Mr Pickles has said the Localism Bill could force councils to hold a referendum.

However, Lord Adonis said: "What I haven't seen is anyone prepared to launch a campaign for having a mayor, and it would be difficult to have a serious chance to win (without that)."

Under the Localism Bill, Nottingham could be one of 12 cities to hold a referendum in May 2012 on having an elected mayor.

Lord Adonis urges people to "speak out loud and clear now" over high speed rail – Page 11

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