A briefing on Mayor vs Leader/Cabinet systems

Birmingham Press and Localise WM have now produced a factual briefing on the differences between the Mayoral and Leader/Cabinet systems. This is an attempt to plug the huge information gap around the issue.

Feel free to – in fact please do – distribute it by email and print it out for events or public . . . → Read More: A briefing on Mayor vs Leader/Cabinet systems

Discussing with Sion Simon how a mayor could create a better local economy for Birmingham

We have now held our second meeting with those interested in being Birmingham mayoral candidates in the event of a Yes vote – with Sion Simon. The sense coming out of both meetings is that much of what potential mayors have proposed they would do, the local authority already has the powers to deliver . . . → Read More: Discussing with Sion Simon how a mayor could create a better local economy for Birmingham

Elected mayors: facts please

Followers on Twitter will know we’ve been trying to source a sound, factual and unbiased briefing [NB since writing this blog, we have produced our own]  on likely implications of switching to an elected mayor as local authority leader. This came about because in the media and social media debates and at the two . . . → Read More: Elected mayors: facts please

Discussing with Gisela Stuart how a mayor could help create a better economy in Birmingham

As discussed in a previous blog we’ve been initiating meetings with those interested in being Birmingham’s first elected mayor.

LWM don’t have a ‘yes or no’ position on elected mayors: our governance policy statement shows up some serious flaws with the model and the process but we also recognise there could be advantages in . . . → Read More: Discussing with Gisela Stuart how a mayor could help create a better economy in Birmingham

Unmissable opportunity or complete nightmayor? LWM plans to hear from potential candidates

With apologies for the appalling pun, Localise WM’s members have been discussing the impending elected mayoral referendum in the last few weeks and find we have mixed views amongst our number.

One reason to vote yes is simply that our current local democracy is not a success, and any shake-up is worth a try. . . . → Read More: Unmissable opportunity or complete nightmayor? LWM plans to hear from potential candidates

A powerful plea for regional government

At a debate held last Saturday Sion Simon, formerly the Labour MP for Erdington, spoke in favour of elected mayors and John Boyle of the Co-operative Party and Midlands Co-operative Society, spoke against the proposal.

During the following discussion a powerful plea for regional government was made by Phil Davis, former chair of . . . → Read More: A powerful plea for regional government