SIR – The front page and editorial on October 27 regarding elected mayors highlighted the massive loss of democracy in this country in the governance of all forms of local government except parish councils.

This loss occurred in about 1998 when the then committee system of local government was scrapped.

Most readers will expect that elected councillors such as me take part in all the council’s decision – making processes including voting for or against all decisions.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

As a backbench councillor in opposition I am not involved in any of the decision-making processes, whether it be free meals for the elderly or a new bridge in the city centre. All decisions are taken by the cabinet who are empowered to take all decisions without consultation with other non-cabinet members.

The next worse step is to elect one person to make all the decisions.

An elected mayor is the worst option for the governance of local councils as it gives an excess of power to one person to make lifechanging decisions over all of Worcestershire.

Can I ask for a careful consideration of this matter before voting for an elected mayor for Worcestershire or any other authority. If you want to loose what very little democracy remains in local government then go ahead!

ROB PEACHEY,

County councillor,

Worcester County Council.