It’s referendum day

The government has forced the borough to hold today's referendum with the choice being between keeping the present system of a non-party political office or changing to a directly elected party political mayor on a £65,000 a year salary.

The possible change has been bitterly opposed by most councillors and leading residents who fear rising expense and a lack of democracy.

However, there has been little campaigning and now the entire electorate can
have a say. The result is expected around midnight.