Croydon residents will get to decide whether they want a directly-elected mayor after councillors voted for holding a public referendum in October.
At an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Monday (8 February), members voted for a 7 October referendum, where residents will decide whether they want either a new directly-elected borough leader or to continue with the current system.
Croydon has been run by a “leader and cabinet” model since 2001, when the Local Government Act 2000 required most councils to change from a committee system.
If October’s referendum resulted in favour of a directly-elected mayor, the poll to choose that mayor would be on 5 May 2022 alongside the next scheduled local elections for all Croydon Council seats.
The October poll date is provisional and subject to Covid-19 restrictions. If the Greater London Authority and London Mayor elections planned for May 2021 are moved to within 28 days of the referendum, Croydon would combine the referendum with that poll.
A further report will come before a future Full Council meeting that sets out the referendum proposals in detail, including any necessary changes to the council’s constitution.
“Monday’s vote means Croydon residents will get to choose how their council is run later this year, and an October referendum means we have more time to make it as safe as possible given the continuing pandemic so as many local people as possible can have their say on this important issue.
“If you are a Croydon resident and are eligible to vote, make sure you are registered so you can take part in the referendum later this year.”
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
For more information on how to register to vote, visit the Government website.
