Coventry City Council opposed to elected mayor

A Coventry labour-MP has spoken out in favour of plans to introduce directly-elected mayors in 12 English cities, despite the city's council being opposed to the proposal.

Public consultation ends on Tuesday on the government-backed scheme, with the next stage to be referendums in May.

Bob Ainsworth, the MP for Coventry North East, said it would make the council more accountable.

But George Duggins, deputy leader of Labour-led Coventry City Council, said the council had achieved a lot without the need for an elected mayor.