Birmingham Chamber of Commerce have endorsed the campaign for an
elected mayor for the city.
The Chamber's elected council gave their backing by an
overwhelming majority. The vote came just before Greg Clark, the
Cities Minister, visited the Chamber in Edgbaston to announce that
a referendum to decide if the city wanted an elected mayor would be
held on May 3.
If the answer is yes, an election will take place on November 15
- the same day as an election for a city police commissioner.
Chamber president Michael Ward said: "There was a clear message
from the Chamber council that it is in favour of an elected mayor
for Birmingham but wants clarity on devolved powers.
"The challenge now is for the Chamber to lead the campaign on
behalf of the city's business community and others.
"Greg Clark's message went a long way to explaining the
government's position on devolved powers.
"He said the government would expect an elected mayor to tell
them what powers were required. He added that there would be a
powershift on issues like transport, capital expenditure, skills
and apprentices and homes and communities.
"This was extremely encouraging and we shall by working to get
this message over to Birmingham businesses and the wider
community."