RESIDENTS have decisively rejected the idea of Wigan council being run by an elected mayor.

The results of one of the biggest consultation exercises ever undertaken by the council show the political management option of a leader and cabinet was supported by an outright majority of the 9,000 people who voted.

The result is in line with similar exercises up and down the country, but council chiefs say they are particularly pleased by the large number of responses compared to other areas.

Altogether 5,131 people voted for a leader and cabinet, 56 per cent of the total votes cast, and 2,478 wanted an elected mayor and cabinet, with just 1,333 wanting an elected mayor and council manager.

Council leader Lord Smith said: "This is a decisive vote in favour of the system which we believe offers the best form of political management for the borough. I am pleased that the result is so clear-cut."

The consultation was ordered by the government, which brought in new rules to transform the traditional council committee system in favour of executive government. It gave councils three options for a new style of political management - elected mayor and cabinet, leader and cabinet, an elected mayor and council manager.

In a report to the council, independent consultant Dave Thomas, who has overseen the process, said: "Many comments referred to concerns over new and untested styles of political decision making. However, those voting in favour of an elected mayor saw opportunities for new and creative ways to run the Town Hall and keep in touch with people."

The council will now endorse the result of the consultation exercise and apply to the government to have its preferred choice approved. This will allow the Cabinet to assume real decision-taking powers.

Mayor Coun John Hilton said: "The system which our residents have supported since 1974 has proved very successful. People have confidence in our borough leadership through the knowledge that the leaders have the confidence of their colleagues."