Member Article

Middlesbrough ‘needs a mayor’, says industry leader

One of Teesside’s leading employers is calling on the people of Middlesbrough to retain the role of elected mayor at the referendum on Thursday.

Middlesbrough-born Bill Scott, chief executive of the Wilton Group, believes the town needs a strong, independent leader when Mayor Ray Mallon steps down in 2015.

Mr Scott, a former North-East Business Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Teesside University honorary graduate, established an £85m turnover business from a zero start-up, and has employed around 800 people at its peak within the group.

He added: “As a person who grew up in Acklam and who now employs hundreds of people, many of them living in Middlesbrough, I remain as passionate as ever about the town. That is why I’ll be taking a very close interest on the referendum.

“I would urge anyone who is undecided to vote to retain the position of mayor.

“Ray Mallon has made it clear that he’ll be stepping down, so this is about what happens next – and I can’t help but feel that it would be a retrograde step to return to the old system.

“We need a strong leader who can work with and listen to the councillors but can then challenge everyone to ensure that best practice and best results are achieved.

“My personal view is that the town needs a single point of contact for the public, for businesses and for the wider community to interact with and hold accountable.

“Ideally, that individual also needs to have the experience and skills needed to encourage and inspire the people of the town and attract new investment to give Middlesbrough a brighter future.”

And Mr Scott believes a good choice as future mayor would be local business and charity leader Andy Preston, who has stated he will stand for the role if the people of Middlesbrough vote to retain the mayoral position in Thursday’s referendum.

“Someone like Andy Preston, who is a strong and inspiring leader, with flair, passion, experience, entrepreneurial vision, business acumen and a proven track record, surely has to be the best way forward to cut through the decision-making process,” said Mr Scott.

The mayoral referendum takes place on Thursday, September 26. Middlesbrough residents aged 18 or over on the day of the referendum can vote for whether they wish to retain the present system of a mayor elected by the people of the town or a council leader elected by a vote of the councillors.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .