During 2012, there was an opportunity for Birmingham to choose an Elected Mayor system of Governance. I promoted the 'Yes' campaign and indicated I would stand as an Independent candidate for Mayor.

My Seven Guiding Principles for pursuing effective policies for Birmingham’s success were as follows:

1. Personal drive & strategic leadership: I will put Birmingham First, not my own or any other political party interests;
2. Helping businesses: I will promote economic prosperity to drive Birmingham’s local and region economies by ensuring Birmingham becomes a strong international city and ensure public funds are maximised for best effect to support the local and regional economic prosperity that will be necessary to drive the other improvements in public/private infrastructure, regenerate local areas and improve the lives of local people;
3. Helping everyone: I will encourage a culture of self-belief and strong ethos in serving the public good and ensure everyone lives their passion for excellence to the max;
4. Investing in youth: I will listen to and build the future through maximising the potential of the youth through better educational and work opportunities, reducing health inequalities in the city and by tackling issues that matter to the youth;
5. Working with local groups: I will cultivate a strong sense of community pride in Birmingham by celebrating and valuing what each community brings to make a better Birmingham;
6. Public institutions & financial prudence: I will ensure all public funds in the city are maximised for best impact and Birmingham City Council – which only represents a part of city governance and not all of it – is fit for purpose and cuts waste, by working with all of them, regardless of their party political allegiances; and
7. Heritage, culture & tourism: I will promote the best of Birmingham to the world so that it is, once again, seen as the “best governed city in the world”.

My First Mayoral Pledge was:

I will improve the top 100 things that matter to Birmingham citizens

by at least 1% within the first year of taking office.

The BIG Debate : Birmingham Town Hall

Sunday 15th April 2012 from 2pm to 4pm

To view my contributions to the Big Debate, please visit :

 http://www.yestobirminghammayor.co.uk/

When was the referendum held?

The Referendum was held on 3rd May 2012, with other local elections, and on less than 30% turnout, Birmingham electorate voted to retain the Leader and Cabinet system of governance.

An opportunity to improve Birmingham's city governance has, therefore, be lost for a generation.

Some useful links:

http://yestobirminghammayor.com

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk

http://thechamberlainfiles.wordpress.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directly_elected_mayors_in_the_United_Kingdom