TRADE unionists have officially launched the ‘no’ campaign against plans for an elected mayor in Sheffield – as city councillors also approved a motion against the idea.
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Meanwhile, business leaders asked the Government for more information on what sort of powers the post would receive.
Campaigners urging people to vote against creating an elected mayor at the May 3 referendum gathered for their launch outside the Town Hall, showing off posters with the slogan ‘Nightmayor’.
Chris Jenkinson, Sheffield-based regional organiser for Unison, said: “The idea is being imposed on Sheffield by a Tory-led Government when there is no public demand. The referendum will cost £250,000 and, if an elected mayor is approved, we could end up with a very expensive office having to be paid from existing council funds at the expense of services.
“Some elected mayors elsewhere are being paid salaries of up to £100,000. Then there is the cost of running an office and dedicated staff, plus a deputy mayor’s salary. It could come to £400,000 a year.
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