I WONDER if people in Blackburn and Darwen realise that the Draft Local Government Bill will mean that the office of mayor will no longer exist.

Personally, I have been aware of all the political goings-on in London regarding the party nominations for its mayoralty, but failed to realise that our own council would be similarly affected.

The council has been given four choices - an elected mayor plus a cabinet (executive board), a cabinet (executive board) with leader, an elected mayor and a council manager, or a leader and a council manager.

They have decided that a cabinet of eight councillors which will include the leader and be made up from the ruling group, is the best option for Blackburn with Darwen.

Yet another of our great traditions is set to disappear. The position of leader does not have the same dignity as that afforded to the mayoralty. It costs no more for a mayor than it will for a leader, except perhaps for his/her consort, or will the leader's partner fulfil that role?

I cannot see groups being enthusiastic about inviting that person to their functions, whereas in the past the mayoress has attended ladies events. Presumably, the occasion of mayor-making and the mayor's Sunday procession will no longer take place. This event involved the youth of the town and instilled some civic pride in the rest of us.

This country was once proud of itself. People come from other countries to witness our pageantry but if 'progress' continues in this way, there will be nothing unique about England any more.

Other countries are proud of their traditions, but we are throwing ours away and for what? We all know of the man who "threw his birthright away for a mess of pottage!"

For 150 years local government has functioned well enough and I would like to know why it has to change? It never seems to save money in the end.

EILEEN EASTHAM (Mrs), Milton Close, Darwen.

Footnote: Blackburn with Darwen Council said the future of the office of civic mayor - or first citizen - has never been in doubt. Members will continue to elect one of their number to serve a 12-month term and the mayor, supported by a mayoress or consort, will continue to perform civic duties on behalf of the council.

In addition to its role in the community, the mayoralty also forms an important part of the Junior Citizenship initiative, a local democracy-teaching programme for primary schoolchildren.

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