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Localism Bill (ways and means)

No, there is absolutely not. I thank my hon. Friend for making that point. Hon. Members will be interested to know the extent to which there is all-party opposition to these proposals in Bradford. The Conservative group leader on Bradford council also argued against the imposition of a shadow mayor in that city. In the same article, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said:"““My colleagues and I are not supportive of elected mayors… We do not think that the proposals are suited to the needs of…Bradford.””" Last week, the same issue was reported on again, when the hon. Member for Bradford East (Mr Ward) said:"““My view is that it should be for the councils to decide if they want to go down the referendum route. The referendum shouldn't be imposed.””" The Opposition agree. Shadow mayors and referendums on having a mayor should not be imposed. In Bradford at least, it seems, there is Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative opposition to the Government's proposals. However, there has also been opposition in other councils, including Leeds city council.