The fact Colchester councillors have opposed the concept of an elected mayor should be no surprise.

They all have a vested interest in retaining as much power in their own hands as possible. Asking them to vote for an elected mayor is like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas.

A mayor, elected by residents, would be much too democratic and Colchester councillors do not want a democratic situation where they could be disadvantaged.

Many of them hold two council posts, on both Colchester Council and Essex County Council.

The same can be said for Essex County Council’s chief executive, who holds posts for Essex and Brentwood Council simultaneously.

Of course, this gives her the opportunity to enhance her remuneration, for which she has now agreed a piffling reduction.

The question is can anyone really do two conflicting jobs 100 per cent effectively? How can they really devote their whole single-minded interest to both?

I read Colchester Council claims it would be too difficult having an elected mayor and reducing the number of councillors.

Is this an excuse not to change – or too difficult a decision?

Colchester is losing 100 council jobs. That decision wasn’t too difficult for the council.

But asking Colchester councillors to reduce their own numbers and go for an elected mayor is apparently beyond their ability. They can only say “do not change”.

In that state of mind, shouldn’t the matter of having a mayor elected by the people be put to the people, for the people to decide by democratic vote, and not be left to councillors with their own vested interests?

Allan Hewitt
Bluebell Way
Colchester