A CONSULTATION on how Waltham Forest Council should be governed closes tomorrow, and the majority of residents who have responded are calling for the borough to have an elected mayor.

Under new rules all large councils will have to adopt one of two models of government next May.

Waltham Forest will either have to adopt a directly-elected mayoral system or a “strong” leader model.

Under the directly-elected mayoral system, voters elect an individual (it does not have to be a councillor) to serve for four years.

The strong leader system is similar to the current system, in which councillors elect a leader and cabinet, but the leader will have more powers.

As of September 25, just 11 residents had responded to the consultation, which closes tomorrow (Friday).

A majority of respondents, (eight), opted for the directly-elected mayoral system.

Residents Christopher Griffin said: “I would support the introduction of a directly elected Mayor for Waltham Forest.

“At the moment there is too much political in-fighting between the parties, and I believe that a strong leader, elected on policies, would help to provide some direction in the borough.”

Susanne Fayadh said: “I prefer the directly elected mayor version.

That's because I think it's a good thing for voters to have a direct influence on who leads the council. I also think it is better if a council leader can't be removed at any time, because this would enable them to commit to an agenda (endorsed by voters) and push it through, instead of having to worry about not pleasing all of the cabinet.”

On Tuesday the council's cabinet will recommend one of the two models to be agreed by the full council later in the year.

Both the Lib Dem and Conservative group leaders have expressed a preference for a strong leader, fearing a directly-elected mayor would be less democratic.