Thurrock Council could be forced to hold a referendum on whether to have a US-style directly elected mayor, it has been revealed.
The town may have to follow the new procedure laid down by Local Government Secretary Stephen Byers.
A final decision will be made after a review of referendum rules by the minister's department and the Electoral Commission.
A letter from the department to the council said Mr Byers thought it was clear that most respondents to a survey of Thurrock electors backed having a directly elected mayor.
However, the authority had considered most residents wanted a leader and cabinet style of Government.
Published Wednesday, March 20, 2002
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