News

LAUNCH OF THE REFERENDUM PETITION

Tuesday 21 May 2002

A PETITION calling for a referendum on whether Kettering’s mayor should be elected by the people is launched today (Tuesday 21 May).

Campaigners were in Kettering’s High Street between 12.45pm and 1.45pm, seeking public support for a re-think on how Kettering Borough Council is run in the future. The move is part of a ‘Let the People Decide’ campaign headed by the Leader of Kettering Council’s Independent Group, Cllr. Christopher Groome. Cllr. Groome said: "People should have a direct say in who leads their community rather than delegating it to party politicians."

The decision to run Kettering Borough Council with a powerful leader and cabinet-style administration was agreed by the narrowest majority of one vote at a meeting of the Full Council last year. The Labour-controlled Council has since selected Cllr. Richard Tod to be responsible for directing Kettering’s future. As the ‘ruling’ leader, Cllr. Tod had the power to choose his own one party ‘cabinet’.

But campaigners say such radical decisions should have been put to the people and the electorate should be able to choose their own leader or Mayor.

Campaigners need 3,500 signatures to force a referendum. Cllr. Groome added: "The Government has provided for a referendum to be held to determine the method of government in local authorities like Kettering. The majority party on the Council has already decided not to hold a referendum. However a petition from 5 per cent of the electorate can force them to hold one."

Campaigners also want to see further changes based on:

• Half the number of councillors – saving at least £100,000 of Council Tax payers’ money a year.
• Abolition of political assistants paid by the Council rather than the political parties – saving £60,000 a year.
• Involvement of all shades of opinion, balancing speed and quality of decision-making.

Cllr. Christopher Groome said the petition would be taken door-to-door in the next few weeks. He added: "If one person is to choose who governs this community, that person should be chosen by all the electors in the community."

People wishing to support the campaign can contact Cllr. Groome on 01536 526429 or 420440.

ENDS

Published and Promoted by Christopher Nelson, 24 Richmond Avenue, Kettering on behalf of Christopher Groome, 1 Preston Court, Burton Latimer, Kettering. Printed and Hosted by NTLWorld, NTL Group Limited, NTL House, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, Hampshire.