CONCERNS about the Government taking power away from local politicians have been expressed by a recently elected councillor.

Councillors are currently weighing up whether they want Waltham Forest to have a directly elected mayor or a strong leader.

Jane Morgan, a Liberal Democrat councillor who was elected to Hale End and Highams Park ward in December, says she has already become disillusioned with local government because she believes local democracy is being centralised.

She believes that either system will make things worse because it will concentrate power at the hands of an even smaller select band of people.

Cllr Morgan said: “Politicians and commentators regularly express frustration at the low turnouts for local elections, but is it surprising when the role of local councillor within the town hall appears to keep diminishing.

“Any system should provide local people with a much better idea of the link between their local ward councillor and the decisions which are made within the town hall.”

Under the proposals, a directly elected mayor system will see all executive powers and control over cabinet given to one person.

The so-called strong leader system is closer to the current system in Waltham Forest, but further strengthens the power of the council leader.

Under the current system, a council leader is appointed by the majority of the group's councillors. The leader then in turn appoints a cabinet.

The borough's mayor is currently a ceremonial position but since 2000 councils can adopt the elected mayor system, subject to a 'yes' vote in a referendum.

Councillors have been told to choose by the end of the year which option to adopt.

Conservative leader, Cllr Matt Davis, is backing the strong leader proposals and described the elected mayor system as a “dictatorship.”

Former Waltham Forest mayor and Labour councillor Narinder Matharoo said an elected mayor system was essential for Waltham Forest to prosper.

Cllr Morgan was elected to Hale End and Highams Park ward following the death of Cllr John Beanse and the resignation of Cllr Noel Penstone due to ill health.

She won with 1,298 votes and held off challenges from Conservatives Sheree Rackham and Sandeep Christian, Labour's Mohammed Ahmed and Gerry Lyons, and Green Party candidate Daniel Perrit.

Cllr Nick Bason was also elected for the Lib Dems.

There is currently a consultation taking place about the two systems which ends on October 2.

For information or to take part call the council's community engagement team on 8496 3000.