Elected Mayor would be a backwards step for the valleys - Randerson and O'Connor

1.16.58pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Aug 2008

Elections for a directly elected mayor could lead to too much power being given to one person

The Welsh Liberal Democrats today rejected the Institute For Welsh Affair's call for a directly elected mayor for the South Wales valleys.

The IWA's report entitled, 'Futures for the Heads of the Valleys' includes a number of recommendations as to how to regenerate the region, including improvements to the public transport network and continued work towards greener investment in the region, with the suggestion of a directly elected mayor as the focal point.

Jenny Randerson AM, Welsh Lib Dem Spokesperson for Local Government said: "Whilst we support the publication of this report and particularly its suggestions concerning improved environmental investment to the region and improvements to the public transport network, the idea of a directly elected mayor for the region is not one which we could endorse.

"There are many things that would help to improve the valley communities after years of failure by successive Tory and Labour Governments, but I believe that this proposal would actually make things worse.

"Back in May, Labour lost their iron grip on valley councils and a new generation of politicians have been given a chance to show how things can be done differently. A mayor system could lead to a return to the days of corruption and stagnation. Like everywhere else, fair votes in the valleys would reinvigorate democracy without creating a system with such a high concentration of power in the hands of one person."

Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Merthyr Council, Councillor Kevin O'Connor said: "For years, Labour held an unhealthy grip over the valleys. We have shown that other parties can make a difference and create a genuine open and competitive democracy. I am concerned that a directly elected mayor could be used as a vehicle to guarantee power for the Labour party. That is not what is needed. Instead we need new ideas and the greater open-ness and transparency that Labour failed to provide. At best, a directly elected mayor would be a distraction, at worst it would be another opportunity for Labour to hold the valleys back."

Ends.