Business leaders back mayor poll

Business leaders in Stoke-on-Trent have said they would prefer that the city keeps its elected mayor.

The call by Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce came ahead of a referendum on the subject in the city this month.

Its president Bob Young sent out a letter to all members saying however he understood it was the "calibre of the individual" that mattered most.

He also urged businesses to encourage staff to turn out for the poll - regardless of how they voted.

The referendum will be held on 23 October.

The city was told earlier this year by a government commission that it needed to change its existing system which sees the elected mayor and chief executive make all decisions.

The council was offered the option of having either an elected mayor with a cabinet or an elected council leader with a cabinet.

Councillors have already said they prefer the latter option.

Two groups - both called People's Choice - were set up last month to campaign for the different options.

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