Hartlepool mayoral referendum will take place in November

Voters in Hartlepool are to be asked whether they want to keep a directly-elected mayor.

Councillors have approved plans for a referendum, and the poll will take place on 15 November.

Stuart Drummond, who originally stood as football mascot H'Angus The Monkey, has been elected for three terms since the post's introduction in 2002.

The referendum will take place on the same date as the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner.

Voters will be asked whether the current system should be replaced by committees of councillors.

Mr Drummond is also currently the chair of Cleveland Police Authority.