THE citizens of Birmingham must be allowed to decide if Birmingham should have an elected mayor.
That was the overwhelming view of those who heard passionate speeches for and against the idea of a People's Mayor for the city in the Birmingham Mail's Big Debate last night.
An audience of readers and politicians from all parties gave 70 per cent backing for the issue to be decided in a binding, city-wide referendum.
And today the Birmingham Mail calls on YOU to have your say by emailing, writing or phoning in if you believe you should decide how your city is governed.
The audience made their call following more than two hours of lively debate and discussion featuring speeches by charismatic Mayor of Middlesbrough Ray Mallon and Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood.
Around 100 people joined in the debate but a final Council House vote reflected how closely public opinion is split.
In a snap poll 47 were against an elected Mayor and 31 for. But there was a huge vote in favour of testing the idea in a binding Birmingham referendum.
Kevin Chapman, from Balsall Heath, explained: "Participation in local elections is going down and down. It is below 30 per cent in some areas. I think an elected Mayor might be good for democracy."
And Jill Hudson, a secretary from New Oscott, complained that the last consultative referendum six years ago had put three questions and confused the result - allowing a no vote of 46 per cent to win.
Politics lecturer and panellist Chris Game said: "We can't look to London, we can't look to Middlesbrough. If there are any experts in this it is us - we know Birmingham."
Jerry Blackett , chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said businesses bosses wanted strong leadership and were also in favour of a referendum.
