Leading Westminster - Your Views

Leading Westminster - Your views

This year council leadership will be made stronger. From 2010 the government requires all local authorities to either change the role of the council's Leader or to have a directly-elected mayor instead.

Our initial view on the options

The indirectly elected Leader model is very similar to the system we have in place. The main difference is that the Leader will decide his/her responsibilities and those of the Deputy Leader. At the moment their responsibilities are agreed by the full Council.

Currently the Council's view is that Westminster should continue to have an indirectly elected Leader with a strengthened role. This will:

• Make it easier to respond to changing circumstances but maintain stability in the way the Council works.
• Make sure there is no confusion with the ceremonial Lord Mayor's role.
• Retain a cabinet of councillors dealing with major issues.

When we asked people about leadership in 2001, the majority opted for an indirectly elected leader. Our high customer satisfaction ratings show people are happy with the way the Council is currently working.

What do you think?

If you would like to give your views or comments on this please contact Nicola Howe at Westminster City Council.

Email: nhowe@westminster.gov.uk

Phone: 0207 641 3384

Write: Nicola Howe, Policy Unit, Westminster City Council, City Hall, Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP