THE PROSPECT of Warrington being run by a directly elected Mayor is raised again as a result of changes required under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act.
But leader of the council Ian Marks (pictured right) says the authority has “no appetite” for the idea.
A change is required, the borough has two options and the council is inviting members of the public to express its views.
*Option One is a council run by a leader and cabinet – similar to the present system except that the leader would remain in office for four years instead of one year as at present. He would be able to appoint a deputy and choose up to eight other councillors to work with him in the cabinet. This would mean two fewer cabinet members.
*Option Two would be a council run by an elected Mayor and cabinet. The Mayor would be appointed for four years and would appoint a cabinet of councillors to offer advice on running the council. He would have a deputy and, again, up to eight other councillors on the cabinet.
The two options are not new. They have been available since 2001, other than for minor amendments due to recent legislation.
The council has agreed in principle and subject to public consultation, that its preference is Option One.
Members of the public can view the documents at the Town Hall and consultation will continue until 5pm on October 19.
The council will pass a resolution to adopt the appropriate new executive arrangements on November 1 and they will come into force three weeks after the local elections in May.
No appetite for elected Mayor
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
2 Comments
The very fact that the council prefer Option one. maens that Option two would be better for the town.
The council over the years have got us into a mess with continually reducing the servicesand increasing the debt.
Surely, it is time for change. As from the story above, they just want to carry on as normal, taking the money, getting green flags and other prestigious awards, but doing very little to improve the infrastructure of what was a good town.
……..and how much will this elected mayor and his entourage of self serving politicians cost us? Just the fact that they can chose their own “cabinet” means that their mates will get the jobs at whatever salaries that commands….