Birmingham Could Have Elected Mayor by 2012 Under Conservative Plans

Conservative Party leader David Cameron has announced plans to fast-track legislation through Parliament, potentially leading to Birmingham holding a referendum on an elected mayor as early as May 2011. If the referendum passes, a mayoral election could be held in May 2012, with the elected mayor taking control of the city's leadership. This move has been met with opposition from the Conservative leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby, as well as Liberal Democrat members of the council coalition.

Key Takeaways:

• The Conservative Party plans to introduce legislation to enable 12 large English cities, including Birmingham, to hold referendums on the introduction of elected mayors.
• The referendums could be held as early as May 2011, with a mayoral election potentially taking place in May 2012 if the majority votes in favour of the proposal.
• An elected mayor would replace the current leader and cabinet system of local government, handing power to run Birmingham to a single individual.
• A simple referendum majority of one vote will be sufficient to force Birmingham and other cities to hold mayoral elections.
• Elected mayors would be more accountable to the public than council leaders, according to David Cameron.
• Cities such as New York, led by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have been cited as examples of the positive impact of elected mayors.

Statistics:

• 12 English cities, led by Birmingham, could see elected mayors introduced.
• The referendums could be held as early as May 2011.
• A mayoral election could potentially take place in May 2012.
• 1 vote could be enough to secure a referendum majority in favour of a mayor.
• Cities with elected mayors, such as New York, have shown positive results.

Sources:

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• "Conservative plans for London-style mayor for Birmingham." retrieves 27 May 2009 from BBC News
• "Tory plans for elected mayors revealed." retrieves 27 May 2009 from The Guardian