Welsh Conservatives today called on the Welsh Labour Government to consider allowing referendums to be held on elected mayors in Wales’ largest communities.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, believes that elected mayors in Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor and Wrexham would be prominent figure-heads and would be directly accountable to residents.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM said, “An elected mayor in each of our largest communities would be a clearly identifiable figure who can be held to account for the delivery of local services.

“While people vote for their local councillor, some people feel left out of the decision-making process because they have little say over the policies and priorities of their council.

“A number of English cities now have their own elected mayor who can be a powerful advocate for greater resources and represent the views of the public.

“Voters in Wales should be able to have their say through a referendum on the creation of elected mayors, which could make a real difference and encourage voter engagement in local democracy.

“The Welsh Labour Government should consider allowing referendums so the people in these communities can have their say and decide if they would like their own mayor.

“I hope Welsh Labour Ministers will trust the people of Wales and let them decide.”