Coventry Says No To An Elected Mayor

Last updated : 04 May 2012 By Covsupport News Service

Coventry has said that it does not want a Directly Elected Mayor in a referendum held on Thursday in the city.

62,956 votes were cast with 39,483 (63.58%) voting to keep the current system with 22,619 (36.42%) voting in favour of a mayor chosen by the electorate.

Manchester and Nottingham also voted No

Former City Chairman and long standing City supporter Joe Elliott was amongst the leading the 'No' vote to against an Elected Mayor as happens in other cities around the country such as Boris Johnson in London, whilst former local radio presenter John Gaunt was amongst those supporting the yes vote. 

There was a 27.86% turn out for the referendum and only 26.43% for the local Council elections in Coventry for which the results were announced in the Jag Exhibition Hall at the Ricoh Arena.

In the local Council elections, Labour gained control of Nuneaton & Bedworth Councils and the Westwood, Woodlands, Sherbourne, Upper Stoke, Wyken, Bablake, St Michaels and Whoberley wards in Coventry. 

The Binley & Willenhall ward stayed with Labour as did Foleshill, Longford, Holbrooks, Henley, Radford and Lower Stoke.

The Conservatives held the safe seats of Wainbody, Earlsdon and Cheylesmore ,    

At least two makeshift polling booths in the back of cars had to be used https://twitter.com/#!/covobservernews/status/198207360802631680/photo/1