DURHAM City's Liberal Democrats have come out against an elected mayor for the city.

The party made its decision to urge the people of Durham to reject the elected mayor option in a local referendum to be held in November.

Citizens will be asked to choose between a directly-elected mayor and the current arrangement of a council leader with cabinet.

The decision to have a referendum in the city was made earlier this year after a public consultation exercise proved inconclusive.

Only one in ten of 36,676 questionnaires were returned to Durham City Council in that exercise.

Now the city's Liberal Democrats have resolved to urge the electorate to reject the elected mayor option.

They argue it would concentrate too much power in the hands of a single individual and make other elected councillors redundant.

The referendum will be by postal vote. If the decision is made to have a elected mayor the ceremonial mayor, an historic post, will remain in a separate capacity