In Liverpool the new elected mayor had just stood down as the Leader of the Council. In Salford they elected a Labour Party insider. In Copeland Elaine Woodburn would almost certainly be elected mayor if she stood - after all, Labour is re-elected year after year - resulting in more of the same at greater cost. So what would be the point exactly? Bring back the Committee system to keep a check on the leadership, and if you don't like the current regime - get out and vote for the opposition!

Whoever is voted into office will have been elected by us, not chosen by the few. It is better to have ownership of the process, therefore co-responsibility, than be dictated to. Whoever is voted into office will be by the will of the people, surely this is a better way than echoes of post-war Russia?

Democracy is all very well but the prolotariat may just vote in Ms W. What about a revolution lead by disgruntled rugby fans?

£130,000 will be a small price to pay (although it is up for conjecture as to the validity of this figure according to the present council leader {vested interest?}) for a fair and just representation of what the people of this borough need, and equally as important, want. Anyone up for starting a petition for a referendum on this matter?
Representation from an elected person, by definition of the people, is far more preferential to the current 'closed shop', dogmatic inertia that is holding our borough in thrall of a small group of people who are without vision.
If this were to be the outcome of a referendum, then we all will have shared responsibility for any decisions made.
We now have the opportunity of change, Are you for a referendum?