Borough to retain elected mayor system

From the News Shopper

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock

CALLS for consultation about holding a referendum on Lewisham's directly elected mayor system were rejected last night.

A joint motion put forward by Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Morris and Green party leader Councillor Darren Johnson, requested after five years of the current system residents should have the opportunity "to consider whether an elected mayor is the best method of delivering local government within the borough".

When there was a referendum in Lewisham in October 2001 16,822 residents voted in favour of an elected mayor and 15,914 voted against. It was a turnout of 18 per cent.

At the meeting Cllr Morris said: "People should have a say whether they want to carry on with an executive mayor.

"If we are wrong what is your worry.

"There are some good things that have happened in the borough. But what's the unique thing that's come about because of the mayoral system?

"Trust people and honour the promises made by ministers to find out whether people want to change the system."

But after a lengthy debate from all political parties at the council chambers, Civic Suite, Catford, the motion was lost by a vote of 28 against to 24 in favour.

Mayor Steve Bullock said: "I now hope that everyone can concentrate on doing the best for Lewisham residents rather than campaigning to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate."

Considering the low turn out and the close result how can a Steve Bullock claim that a referendum would 'undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate?  There was an 18% turn out and 51% of those voting YES to a Mayor - technically it would only be going against 10% of the Lewisham electorate.  Why is he scared of a referendum?  He knows what we all know that the costs associated with the office of Mayor far out weigh the benefits.