HC Deb 25 June 2002 vol 387 c817W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on proposals for an elected mayor for Leicester. [64225]

Mr. Raynsford

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead) on 1 November 2001,Official Report, column 795W. Further to that answer, having carefully considered the circumstances of Leicester, we decided that it would not be appropriate to direct a mayoral referendum and we understand the Council have now begun operating their new constitution, involving a leader and Cabinet.