Campaigners who would like to see an Elected Mayor for B&NES have been taking matters into their own hands in light of recent criticism by Bath MP, Ben Howlett, regarding the lack of information about the forthcoming Referendum on 10th March.

On this day, voters will have the chance to decide whether or not Bath and North East Somerset should have a directly elected Mayor, such as Bristol has, rather than the current governance system. If the answer is ‘yes’, then an election will be held, with candidates put forward for Mayor. If ‘no’, the system will remain the same. Much is being debated, but many people in the area say they either don’t know what it is all about or that many important questions, such as the exact cost of such a change, are remaining unanswered.

“We are looking to have more posters and leaflets printed and to try and play a more visible role in the High Streets, not only in Bath, but in the other towns and

villages in North East Somerset – Midsomer Norton, Keynsham and Radstock for example,” said Stephen Taylor and Van Du Bose, who have even taken to the streets with sandwich boards: “It does feel slightly embarrassing at first, but people do notice you and smile and it is then quite easy to engage with people.”

The ‘yes’ campaigners say that they realize this is only part of the answer; in order to communicate to a wider Bath and North East Somerset audience, they have also re-launched their website. There is a news section to keep people up-to-date about various husting-style events that are being arranged, to gather further support and to keep people up-to-date with information and the current arguments that

surround the campaign. One such husting event was held at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on Tuesday evening, as The Journal went to press.

Philip Raby, Chairman of Mayor for B&NES, said: “We wholeheartedly agree with Ben Howlett’s concern about the lack of awareness of the Referendum on March 10th on whether or not to have an Elected Mayor for B&NES.

“Given that it was the Council who chose that date, rather than allow more time for a campaign and arrange it at the same time as the Police Commissioner election in May, it is surely essential that B&NES Council takes every possible step to ensure that as many people as possible know that there is a Referendum and the details of what is at stake when they vote.

“We are doing our utmost to inform voters about the Referendum, but we rely on our volunteers. We don’t have the resources that the Council has, or the distribution network of the political parties. In a democracy, it is vital that people know what is happening and how to register their wishes.”

B&NES Council is now unlikely to answer any pressing questions about the Referendum, having entered purdah, which is a pre-election period typically

beginning six weeks before an election, meaning it is unable to comment in any way which might influence a vote. It has, however, defended suggestions that not enough has been done to make residents aware of the subject, which could potentially see a huge reorganisation, should voters say ‘yes’. The Council has pointed to an article included in its Connect magazine, which was distributed to all households in B&NES in November, with two news releases in December and January to encourage people to register to vote. There have also been further

releases on 26th January and 2nd February to coincide with polling cards being posted to local addresses.

Paul Myers, Campaign Organiser of ‘No to B&NES Mayor’, said this week: “It’s extremely important that residents turn out to vote in this Referendum, and make their views known on whether or not B&NES needs an Elected Mayor. The Referendum will decide how our area is run for many years to come, and if people don’t vote, then there’s a real risk we could end up being governed by what we see as an unwanted Mayoral system that was backed by just 5% of the electorate.

“Obviously it’s the job of those campaigning on either side in this Referendum to ensure the public are engaged and understands the issues at stake. Our volunteers have been working hard over the past few weeks to get the message across that a B&NES Mayor would cost more, be less accountable and is simply not right for a large diverse area like B&NES. This has included leaflet deliveries, street stalls and hustings. We will continue with these efforts as the Referendum date approaches on 10th March.”

Do you know anything about the forthcoming Referendum? Do you think there has been enough information and do you understand what it is all about? Get in touch via Twitter @MNRJournal, find us on Facebook, email: [email protected]

The Journal is currently working on an online video, due to be released towards the end of February, interviewing both those who would vote ‘yes’ and those who would vote ‘no’ for an Elected Mayor for B&NES. More on this in the coming weeks.