Cameron promises one thing, Cities’ Minister another

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Cameron promises one thing, Cities’ Minister another

By Sheffield Labour ⋅ April 30, 2012 ⋅ Post a comment

Labour MP for Sheffield South East, Clive Betts, has accused the Minister for Cities, Greg Clark, of misleading the public about the powers of Mayors.

Clive Betts said that Greg Clark’s statement – that cities with Mayors will be given more powers than those without – is a direct contradiction of a commitment made by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, last month.

Clive Betts said: “At the House of Commons Liaison Committee in March, I specifically asked the Prime Minister to confirm that cities which don’t vote for Mayors will have the same access to additional powers as cities which do vote for a Mayor.

David Cameron responded:
[Although I am strongly supporting the view that cities should have a directly elected Mayor] I can absolutely assure you that the City Deals we are doing… [any additional powers] will apply, whether or not they have a Mayor.”

“I invite anyone interested to watch the Prime minister giving this absolutely categorical assurance.”

Clive Betts asked: “Who are the public meant to believe?

“The Prime Minister, or a Minister for Cities, who is now so desperate about the elections and referendums taking place this week, that he is prepared to say anything?”

Clive Betts concluded: “I have written to the Prime Minister today to request that he insists that the Minister acts in accordance with his assurance.

“I have also written to Greg Clark requesting him to withdraw his comments.”

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Discussion

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