A new Mayor of Woking?

Woking has a mayor. It has had one for many years. The role is traditionally non-political and mainly ceremonial. The mayor has a year's term of office during which the post holder carries out official duties around Woking, visits local groups and organisations and raises money for one or more charities. Within the Council the Mayor is also responsible for chairing full meetings of the council which occur around five or six times a year.

The mayoral role is much appreciated by the voluntary sector, the charities that benefit from the mayor's fundraising work and the many indviduals of all ages who meet the mayor when she (in 2009/10) visits them to watch a performance or learn more about their organisation. In recent years the mayor's charity has raised funds for younger people suffering from Alzheimers, those who need money but can't access other sources by the creation of a 'community action fund', a nurse for residents with multiple sclerosis and vital medical equipment.

The government has required Woking Council to consult on a new mayor of Woking. This would be a political position, like Boris Johnson in London or Ray Mallon in Middlesborough. The Mayor would play a key part in running our town. The Mayor would be directly elected by Woking residents. There could still be a mayor as we have now, but under a different name.

Woking's consultation on this matter received few responses before Christmas. The matter is now put to the meeting of the full council this Thursday, 25 February.

My view is that the elected Mayor role attracts individuals with an agenda and populists. Although the Mayor would have a 'cabinet' of councillors, and councillors would be able to scrutinise mayoral proposals, this role puts a great deal of power into the hands of one person. I do not see this as good for democracy.