What prompted you to stand as an elected Mayor?
I’m a local lad, and immensely proud of it. I was born, grew up and ran a successful business in Stoke-on-Trent. So I’ve got an enormous commitment to the city in every sense. Stoke’s a great city with great people, great ideas and great potential. But it seemed to me that these factors weren’t quite linking up to bring the sorts of high-quality outcomes for the city that its people deserve. Things like value-for-money services, clean and green communities, decent jobs and training and a fair deal for the most vulnerable members of our society. No question about it, our city is also a place with proud traditions, but we need to look to the future as well as the past to bring prosperity to Stoke.

As a committed member of the Labour Party, I know that Tony Blair and his team have pioneered a proven approach to joined-up government – a modern way of working that delivers real benefits for people in a diverse spectrum of communities right across the country. More than that, it’s also about listening to people, giving everyone a real and lasting say in the things that matter to them. Put simply, with Labour, people stand to win back their pride and their identity. I put my name forward because I wanted to be part of the team that would make all that happen, right here in Stoke-on-Trent.

What is your greatest achievement as Mayor?
That’s quite a tall order! So much has taken place in the two years since the people elected me. On one level, I can point to the fact that the city runs a balanced budget, and that I am successfully turning the tide from underperformance to making the Council an excellent authority. Plus, I lead the newly-formed North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, a body that is spearheading the social, economic and environmental transformation of the entire sub-region, and not just the city. All told, we’re making Stoke-on-Trent a place that’s getting to be noticed nationally and internationally.

I’d also like to think that in a number of ways I’ve been able to help individuals and communities to feel valued enough and confident enough to change the quality of their lives for the better.

What difference can an elected Mayor make to a community?
It’s important to bear in mind that no two elected mayors have a similar profile, far less two communities. We all depend on the quality of support we receive from elected members, officers, partner organizations and the wider community. There is, however, a real sense that an elected mayor, by holding a mandate from the entire local authority area, is uniquely placed to resolve conflicts and speak for the city as a whole. That’s very important in a city whose strong neighbourhood identities can all too easily lead to rivalries and tensions.

What is the main difference between an elected Mayor and a traditional
Mayor?
I’ve already touched on many of the key points in my answer to the previous question. In most parts of the UK, the traditional mayoral role has largely become symbolic and ceremonial over the years – in contrast to the way in which the post in seen in most other countries. In the U.S., France and Germany, for example, mayors are people with a real presence on the national and international stage. Under the current governance arrangements in Stoke-on-Trent, I share real responsibilities, along with our Chief Executive, as part of our Council’s unique two-person Executive.

Will you be standing for re-election?
I have been elected for a term of office that extends to May 2009. You will be aware that the recent Local Government White Paper sets out options for governance that differ from those currently operating in Stoke. We shall be undertaking a long-term review of democratic structures in the Council, and I shall be working with my colleagues to ensure that the new form of governance that we adopt enjoys widespread support.

Mayor's website