We choose a Leader or you choose a Mayor

New legislation requires the county council to consider what form of decision making arrangements should follow after the next county council elections in May 2009. At present the current 84 elected councillors appoint a Leader, Deputy Leader and six councillors to form a Cabinet. The Cabinet then takes most of the important decisions affecting the work of the council. This new legislation means that the council must choose between the following before December 2008: A leader and cabinet executive or a mayor and cabinet executive.

Under the first option, the Leader would be elected by the whole council for a four year term. He/she would then appoint between two and eight members to form a Cabinet to take decisions. 

Under the second option the Mayor would be elected by the people of Cumbria. He/she would then appoint their Cabinet. Once elected the Mayor cannot be removed from office by the council and would serve for a full four year term. Fresh elections would take place at the end of his/her term of office. The county council is minded to go for the leader approach.

We want to hear from you!

Should we have a Mayor or a Leader? 

Let us know your thoughts by contacting David Claxton on 01228 226351 or emailing lynn.harker@cumbriacc.gov.uk by 15 August 2008. A summary of responses will be presented to the county council when it considers the matter again later this year.