By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Mansfield District Council is considering whether to scrap its elected mayor system 21 years after the role was introduced.
The Labour-led authority has approved a motion to explore the potential change in its governance.
It follows campaigns from numerous political parties in several recent elections calling for the elected mayoral position to be dropped.
The role was introduced in October 2002 following a referendum in the district in May of that year.
It followed a campaign led by businessman and former Mansfield Independent Forum (MIF) councillor Stewart Rickersey.
The referendum returned a result of 55 per cent in favour to 45 per cent against, before Tony Egginton, of the MIF, became the inaugural mayor on October 17, 2002.
He held the role for 12-and-a-half years before being succeeded by Kate Allsop, also of the MIF, in May 2015.
Current Labour mayor Andy Abrahams secured the role in 2019 after beating Ms Allsop by two votes.
He retained the position in May this year and increased his vote share by more than 4,000 votes.
But now his Labour administration could give residents the opportunity to vote again on whether the mayoral system is right for the town.
Council officers have been given permission to explore alternative systems and to potentially hold another referendum in the future.
Mansfield is one of only 14 council areas across England to have an elected mayor.
It means besides individual ward councillors, a mayor – who is effectively the council leader – is also elected by the public.
The mayor has powers to decide their own cabinet – even if they are not the largest party – and they have special decision-making powers.
Alternative structures include the leader and cabinet system – which is currently in place at every other Nottinghamshire council -and the leader and committee system.
Speaking during a full council meeting on Tuesday (September 5), both Labour and Conservative members expressed support for a potential change.
Cllr Andre Camilleri (Con), who represents Berry Hill, finished second during the 2023 mayoral poll and campaigned to scrap the position.
He said: “I’m happy Labour is going along with what I stood for at the election. Hopefully, we will make the change that’s needed.
“Over 20 years, it’s been a difficult time having a mayor. Democracy has suffered, the backbenches have suffered and I think it’s a good move forward.”
His group proposed an amendment to the motion which asked for more involvement from councillors and for a fixed referendum date of May 2025.
This was not supported by the ruling Labour group, which said the amendment “took away from” the original motion.
Labour also said they didn’t want to set a “fixed date” on a future referendum or to “pre-empt” what could be on the ballot sheet.
Cllr Paul Henshaw (Lab), who represents Oak Tree, added: “It’s only right we look at every avenue.
“Mayor Andy [Abrahams] said when he was first elected that he would look at this issue.
“Due to various circumstances, that had to be pushed down the road.
“We can look at the outcome of deliberations and the way forward. It’s good when a politician makes a promise, it’s followed through.”
Mr Abrahams, who declared an interest in the motion and left the chamber for the debate, currently earns £49,377.04 in allowances for the mayoral role.
He donates 30 per cent of this to his Mayor’s 500 charitable fund.
Council leaders in neighbouring authorities like Ashfield or Newark and Sherwood receive £21,950.28 and £19,750 respectively for their leadership duties.
