THE leader of Ribble Valley Council used its first US presidential-style debate to propose a new system of local government.

But the new format still has a way to go to grab the attention of residents - only three turned up and none of them asked a question.

Coun John Hill stunned opponent Coun Graham Stowter, as well as other members at last night's full council meeting, when he revealed he hoped to introduce a cabinet-style management of government to the Valley.

The system, already run in neighbouring councils, involves key decisions being made by a handful of councillors on a ruling executive committee.

Coun Hill's announcement came during the authority's first head-to-head clash between the Conservative council leader and the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Coun Stowter.

Scheduled to take place every two months during full council meetings, the forum has been set up to help inspire more public interest in local government.

Coun Hill, who like Tony Blair at the dispatch box lent on a wooden lectern to deliver part of his opening speech, started the debate by saying he sensed a "fresh wind blowing through this council."

He told the meeting: "I can report that I have asked the chief executive to prepare a preliminary report on the introduction of a Cabinet-style system of local government in order to replace the existing committee administration.

"I believe this will promote good practice, reduce waste, save money and allow officers more time to concentrate on the delivery of services."

During his report he also proposed a review of councillors' allowances in the New Year, set a target of reducing the use of unnecessary paper by 25 per cent during 2004 and asked whether Ribble Valley should be twinned.

Coun Sowter, who was deputising for Lib Dem leader Frank Dyson, currently on holiday, confessed he "could not possibly take it all in" after Coun Hill finished his 15-minute address.

He added: "Why is it that this is the first time the Lib Dem, Labour, Independent or even most of the Tory members have heard of this proposal?

"I think Coun Hill would have been much wiser if he had given us some warning.

"He should be very careful before he bounces this council into a cabinet system."

After the meeting, Coun Hill added: "The format is still in its infancy and I'm sure it will prove to be a success with the public over time."