Local government minister, John Healey, has set up a specialist team to oversee a radical shake-up in the governance structure of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The move follows a city-wide referendum in which residents voted to scrap its directly-elected mayor, Mark Meredith, in favour of adopting a more conventional cabinet and council leader system. It is the first time voters have removed an elected mayor. Stoke is the only council in the country to have opted for an elected mayor-council manager structure, while 12 other local authorities have a directly-elected mayor working with an executive cabinet. A new constitution will go to the city council meeting on 29 January, and the mayor will serve out his existing term until next year's local elections. Residents voted 21,231 to 14,592 on a turnout of 35,903, just 19.23% of the electorate, in the 24 October referendum called after a earlier commission criticised the city's existing leadership, poor governance and lack of effective community engagement by the council. Prof Michael Clarke, who headed the commission, will chair the ‘governance transition board' which will act as a ‘critical friend' to monitor progress on reform of councils elections, with the introduction of smaller single-member council wards and improving relationships with the local community. Mr Healey said: ‘This represents a critical step forward in taking quick and effective action on the Stoke Governance Commissions' recommendations, as well as the move to a leader and cabinet form of governance. ‘The people of Stoke have now had their say, which is absolutely right. The board will provide an important source of support, and act as a critical friend and pressure group to the council as it works to make the necessary changes to improve the quality of life and services for local residents. I am confident that we can achieve the improvements that Stoke needs.'
