NO TO MAYOR

NO TO MAYOR

Salford’s campaign to stop our traditional, impartial Mayor becoming a party political American-style city boss

Press Release December 5th 2011



Referendum ‘no’ vote campaign launched

Salford’s former First Citizen Roger Lightup is to head the campaign for a ‘no’ vote in the mayoral election.

He was elected to chair the campaign committee set up by Salford City Labour Party at a meeting in Swinton .

Mr Lightup said: “I know from direct experience how much the people of Salford value the traditional, impartial mayor who acts as a figurehead and ambassador for the city.

“This would be swept away by a directly-elected mayor and we would instead have a party-political mayor, more like an American-style city boss.

“That is why I urge a ‘no’ vote in the referendum and why I am privileged, as an ordinary citizen, to lead the fight to keep a voice for Salford people.

“I campaigned 20 years ago to set up community committees and I am proud of the way the city has used these to spread out decision-making.

“It would be a step back in time to move from a system where local councillors and communities have a real say to one where all power is placed in the hands of one person.”

Although Labour-led, the campaign welcomes support from all mainstream parties and individual citizens.

Leaflets will be delivered throughout the city during December setting out the arguments against a directly-elected mayor. The campaign has also set up a Facebook site: Notomayor