Cameron calls for local vote on police chief

Jul 6 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

David Cameron (158)

CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron said in Liverpool last night that police chiefs, such as the Merseyside chief constable, should be elected by local people.

Addressing the annual dinner of the North West CBI, Mr Cameron also said elected mayors should run great cities like Liverpool.

He was quizzed by former city council leader Mike Storey about his attitude towards elected mayors in a frank question-and-answer session at St George’s Hall.

Mr Cameron said: “I don’t agree with many of the things Ken Livingstone has done in London, but you have to admit he’s got the power and the authority to make things happen.

“I would abolish regional assemblies and have people power so that we have elected mayors in our cities, and elected police commissioners.”

He added: “Liverpool was built on home-grown leadership in the 19th century. Today this country is far too centralised and we need to go back.”