The problem with power

Jul 1 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A SINGLE leader or mayor could soon be in charge of Kirklees Council.

The Government has dictated that local authorities must all change their leadership models – and has set out only two options.

One is a leader, elected as council leaders are now, but who could not be removed from office for four years – regardless of local election results.

The second model is a Mayor, directly elected by the public.

Either way, one person would have leadership power and their post protected for four years.

Councillors have voiced concerns, rightly so.

No doubt the public will voice fears too, during the forthcoming consultation on the changes.

Our current leadership system may not be the most streamlined. Decision-making may take more time when there are more people involved.

But when one person is given power, things can easily go awry.

You only have to look at the problems experienced by Doncaster council with the elected mayor system.

Whoever is in charge – whether it is one person or 100 – what is paramount is that those with power should be accountable.

If a person’s leadership is protected for four years, regardless of election, how can they be truly accountable? What have they to fear from their fellow councillors, opposition or the public?