Allan Hewitt (Letters, October 21) is, of course, as ever, entitled to his view on elected mayors and the number of councillors, but he might feel able to amend it slightly in light of the following facts.

As far as elected mayors are concerned, the council has to go through a consultation under legislation left behind by the previous government.

However, the new government has made it clear that in 2011 or 2012 it will be repealing that legislation and introducing a new Bill, which may affect whether councils can have elected mayors.

In view of this, it is our view that it would be sensible (and financially prudent) to wait for the new legislation before deciding to put the matter out to a full referendum, if that is still an option.

There would be little point in the people of Colchester electing a mayor for what could be a 12-month term of office.

I believe a majority of councillors would agree with Mr Hewitt there are too many of us – the administration certainly does, and that is why we have made enquiries as to whether we can cut our numbers.

The answer is that we can, but only after a visit from the Boundary Commission to assess how many of us we actually need. The earliest date we have so far been given as to when this visit might take place is 2014!

We are asking if this can be done earlier.

So Mr Hewitt, what you seek is “beyond our ability”, as you put it, but not through any fault of ours.

May I add that being deputy leader of the council is my only paid employment, so I have no conflict with any other job and it is practically a full-time job, too.

I have no redundancy arrangements (unlike MPs), so in May, if the public dispense with my services, I will be seeking work the following day – if anyone wants me at 64.

Martin Hunt
Deputy Leader
Colchester Council