DMU to host elected mayor debate
De Montfort University (DMU) is to host Leicester’s Big Debate, during which residents will have the chance to quiz candidates hoping to become the city’s first directly elected mayor.
Leicester is the first UK city outside of London where the council has decided to opt for a directly-elected mayor.
DMU is staging the debate, entitled Elected Mayors: The Big Debate on 18 April. It will be chaired by the vice-chancellor of DMU, Professor Dominic Shellard.
Colin Copus, DMU’s professor of local politics, said: “Encouraging voters to make the most of their chance to make a difference is vital for democracy and this mayoral election is history in the making.
“The government has earmarked 12 of England’s big cities to be run by a directly elected mayor but Leicester hasn’t waited to be told and is leading the pack.
“After consulting with the public, the council decided it was right for all the voters of Leicester to decide which person should run the council so it is a pioneering city when it comes to this new style of local government.
“The election will mean that Leicester will be the first of England’s big cities outside London to be run by a person chosen by all the voters.”
Nominations for the elected mayor will close on 4 April and the election will be held on 5 May.
