Every town 'should have a mayor'

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Every town and city in England should have a powerful directly-elected mayor, a think tank has said.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said mayoral leaders had proved "highly capable" and helped to "reinvigorate" local politics.

But it added the present system was biased against their introduction - with just 12 areas adopting them since the option was introduced in 2002.

The IPPR called for them to be established in 82 local authorities.

The report by the left-leaning think tank said mayors provided visible leadership and innovative policies, such as congestion charging.

Mayoral campaigns like the current London one help to invigorate local politics by provoking interest and debate on local issues Guy LodgeInstitute for Public Policy Research

Guy Lodge, senior research fellow at the IPPR, said the current high-profile battle between the main London mayoral candidates, Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson and Brian Paddick, showed the impact mayors could have.

But said despite the success of such positions in the capital, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, the current system meant councils could block the creation of the post.

For a town or city to hold a referendum on having an elected mayor, it needs a petition signed by 5% of voters or one signed by the majority of councillors.

Mr Lodge added: "Mayoral campaigns like the current London one help to invigorate local politics by provoking interest and debate on local issues.

"An elected mayor in every major English town and city would give central government assurance that it could devolve powers to a safe pair of locally accountable hands."