Tory Manchester Mayor referendum a "waste of time and money"
October 5, 2009 5:21 PM
Manchester Lib Dem Leader Simon Ashley has challenged Tory Leader David Cameron to ditch his plans to hold a referendum on whether or not the City of Manchester, and 11 other cities, should have an elected Mayor.
Last month's Manchester consultation, which cost £60,000, showed by that 67% didn't want a Mayor for Manchester. According to Council Officers, a Manchester referendum would cost £357,000 if held at a different time to other elections, and the Mayoral election £435,000 if held separately, or £194,000 if held on the same day as local elections.
An Elected Mayor and their advisers would also be expensive for Mancunians. The London Mayor gets a salary of £143,000, the three deputy Mayors £275,000 between them, and special adviser about £650,000.
Cllr Ashley said:
"If there is demand for an elected mayor, there is a trigger for a referendum already. But the cost of 12 referendums could be as high as £4million. Boris and his team cost Londoners well over £1million a year in salaries alone. The last thing the people of Manchester and 11 other cities need, when 10% cuts are in the air, is £12 million per year more spent on politicians and advisers, and £12 million per year less on front line services."
Ends.....
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