Issue - meetings

To consider alternative approaches to the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and to consider the adoption of a Mayoral Code of Practice.

The Sub-Committee had been established primarily to consider alternative approaches to the election of the Mayor and appointment of the Deputy Mayor and to consider the adoption of a Mayoral Code of Practice.

Members considered a report outlining a number of alternative approaches to the Mayoral selection process. In the cases of many local authorities, the current year’s Deputy Mayor automatically became the Mayor for the following year. This was often regarded as an ideal way in which the incoming Deputy Mayor could gain experience of the office of Mayor prior to election. Where the Deputy Mayor automatically became Mayor for the following year, the focus shifted to the way in which the proposed Deputy Mayor was selected. Members agreed with this approach.

Members had before them a paper setting out a number of different approaches by North West local authorities and the demised authorities to the selection of the Deputy Mayor. These were based on such criteria as seniority (length of service), political proportionality or invitation by the Council’s ruling group.

In debating the matter, Members generally felt that seniority was not the best approach. Very often, a senior Member was not interested in accepting the appointment or was not ideally suited to it. Younger or less experienced Members often brought enthusiasm and energy to the office and were able to engage with younger people. Members agreed, however, that normally, any candidate for the post should have a minimum of one full term’s experience as a councillor. They also agreed on the need for all political groups to have an opportunity to be involved in the selection process.

Members also considered a draft Mayoral Code of Practice which could be adopted by the Council. A number of civic issues were referred to in the draft document. The Sub-Committee made various suggestions for incorporation in the draft document to be submitted to the Governance and Constitution Committee for consideration.

RESOLVED

That Council be recommended to agree that

(1)   each year, the Deputy Mayor will normally succeed to the Mayoralty in the following year;

(2)   each year, the Deputy Mayor will be chosen for appointment by Council by the political group which has the majority of Council Members, provided that in making such choice, another political group or groups may be invited to put forward a nomination for consideration by the majority group;

(3)   this approach be adopted in respect of the election of Mayor and appointment of Deputy Mayor for the 2010/2011 Civic Year and beyond; and

(4)   the draft Mayoralty Code of (Mayor and Deputy Mayor) Practice, as appended to the report, be adopted by the Council, as amended to reflect the above approach, and be incorporated into the Council’s Constitution with such consequential amendments as the Borough Solicitor considers necessary to give effect to the wishes of Council.