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Tories Call for Elected Mayors in Scotland

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Scottish Tories have followed David Cameron's lead in calling for elected mayors to be introduced in Scotland, with the goal of improving local accountability. The proposal is part of a broader effort to reform local government, which has been hindered by proportional representation and the resulting hung councils and minority administrations. The idea of elected mayors was first raised in The Herald's Reshaping Scotland series, which sparked a national debate on local government reform. The Scottish Conservatives' former leader, David McLetchie MSP, believes that elected mayors would improve accountability and focus attention on local issues, rather than serving as a mid-term test of the Scottish Government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Tories are calling for elected mayors to be introduced in local government to improve accountability.
  • The proposal is part of a broader effort to reform local government, which has been hindered by proportional representation and the resulting hung councils and minority administrations.
  • The idea of elected mayors was first raised in The Herald's Reshaping Scotland series, which sparked a national debate on local government reform.
  • David McLetchie MSP believes that elected mayors would improve accountability and focus attention on local issues.
  • The first stage of introducing elected mayors would be a discussion and debate, followed by local referendums to allow people to decide if they want a mayor.
  • The Scottish Conservatives also want to investigate the possibility of the chair of police boards being elected by the public rather than a councillor appointed by their peers.
  • Referendums on elected mayors could extend to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and other large councils in a redrawn local government map.
  • The proposal is part of a broader effort to give people more power and control over the services delivered in their areas.

Statistics:

  • Around 150,000 votes were not counted in the last Scottish elections.
  • 150 represents the number of local government areas where referendums on elected mayors could be held.
  • The recent London mayoral contest between Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone attracted huge interest, with the potential for a strong independent candidate in a Scottish mayoral election.
  • David Cameron stated that by giving people more power and control over the services delivered in their areas, a new spirit of civic pride in communities can be inspired.

Sources:

  • The Herald's Reshaping Scotland series
  • David McLetchie MSP's statement in The Herald
  • Scottish Parliament local government committee
  • David Cameron's speech on local government reform
  • The Scottish Conservatives' proposal for elected mayors in Scotland

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