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03/02/2010
Mayor Bid MP To Quit Commons
A junior government minister is to quit Parliament in a bid become Birmingham's first elected city mayor.
Sion Simon will not contest his Birmingham Erdington constituency seat at the next election, allowing him to lobby for change in the mayoral system.
The 41-year-old junior culture minister said: "The answer to Birmingham's problems simply don't lie in London.
"I'm certainly committed to putting myself forward and becoming the Labour candidate."
He continued: "The current electoral system is aimed at running the country, and not specifically aimed at what's best for Birmingham.
"What we have is out of date 19th Century municipal structures."
Mr Simon said his view on city mayor changed after witnessing the difference made in London.
His current constituency is seen as a safe Labour seat. Mr Pimon polled a lead of 9,575, sealing 53% of the vote at the last election.
Local authorities in England have the power to call a referendum on "super mayors".
Regeneration experts have predicted the Greater Birmingham Area could deliver ambitious infrastructure projects under a tax-raising mayor.
(PR/BMcC)
Sion Simon will not contest his Birmingham Erdington constituency seat at the next election, allowing him to lobby for change in the mayoral system.
The 41-year-old junior culture minister said: "The answer to Birmingham's problems simply don't lie in London.
"I'm certainly committed to putting myself forward and becoming the Labour candidate."
He continued: "The current electoral system is aimed at running the country, and not specifically aimed at what's best for Birmingham.
"What we have is out of date 19th Century municipal structures."
Mr Simon said his view on city mayor changed after witnessing the difference made in London.
His current constituency is seen as a safe Labour seat. Mr Pimon polled a lead of 9,575, sealing 53% of the vote at the last election.
Local authorities in England have the power to call a referendum on "super mayors".
Regeneration experts have predicted the Greater Birmingham Area could deliver ambitious infrastructure projects under a tax-raising mayor.
(PR/BMcC)
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