A CAMPAIGN is being launched in Chelmsford to get an elected mayor.

The English Democrats political party is behind the move, which needs five per cent of the electorate to sign a petition to force the council to hold a referendum.

Robin Tilbrook, national chairman of the English Democrats, who lives in Willingale and who stood in Brentwood in the general election, said it would make the council more accountable and democratic.

He added: “At the moment, the leader of the council is elected behind closed doors, usually by the party that has the most councillors.

“The voters do not know if that person is right for the job.

“In London, where the mayor is elected by the voters, they know who he or she is and can vote accordingly.”

In last week’s Weekly News, Chelmsford Council announced it would be holding a public consultation over the next two months on whether to have a leader chosen by councillors or an elected mayor and cabinet.

But Mr Tilbrook said this was not the same as holding a referendum, the result of which would be legally binding on the council.

He said he was having a meeting with the deputy returning officer in Chelmsford to find out what the percentage needed was.

He added: “In Brentwood it is 2,700, but the figure will be larger in Chelmsford because it is a larger authority – say between 3,000 and 4,000.

“I believe we can get that percentage to hold a referendum. It is achievable.

“I have spoken to people and they seem to welcome the idea.”