ELECTED MAYORS

DARLINGTON'S new Labour Mayor believes the ceremonial post should always be independent (Echo, May 31).

However, she needs to watch her step.

The last mayor of Darlington to act independently and contrary to the views of the majority party was voted out of the chair within one week of his ceremonial appointment at the council's annual meeting, contrary to common law.

The late Councillor Philip Stamford-Bewlay, a Conservative, had succeeded to the office of mayor by seniority in the "much-admired" tradition. However, the council was Labour-controlled, and, at a meeting on May 31, 1984, having ruled on a point of order, he was voted out of his position so that the Labour deputy mayor could take his place and continue the meeting.

Five members of the council voting in favour of this act are still in the group controlling the council - Councillors John Williams (leader), Bill Dixon (deputy leader), David Lyonette, Isobel Hartley, and Dot Long.

This simply illustrates the hypocrisy of Darlington council's system in which the tradition of independence of the mayor is only respected as long as it doesn't clash with party politics.

In those circumstances, it counts for nothing and leopards don't change their spots. - HRC Owen, Middleton St George, near Darlington.

IT is abundantly clear that the Darlington Borough Council Labour leader, Councillor John Williams, and his cabinet are failing democracy when it comes to seeking consultation concerning the options that residents may wish to attach to the referendum for an elected mayor on September 27.

The main consultation document was relegated to Page 24 of the council's Town Crier magazine among the adverts. No indication of the consultation form and its importance was included in the index or editorial at the front of the Town Crier. The response form at the foot of the consultation form fails to ask for the name and address of the person completing the reply slip.

So how then are these forms to be attributed to anyone? The circulation of the Town Crier is 57,000 going to places such as Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, etc. Why, pray, are we seeking the views of people living outside the borough regarding our mayoral options?

Choosing an elected mayor with manager to assist will end Labour's rule and bring democracy to Darlington. With the prospect of their huge responsibility allowances disappearing it's not surprising Labour cabinet members are campaigning against an elected mayor. - Jean Jones, chairwoman, Ladies Section, South Durham Conservatives, Darlington.