THREE out of four people who took part in a council survey wanted Liverpool to be governed by an elected mayor.

Almost 500 people responded to a formal consultation about whether the authority should keep the current system – a council leader chosen by councillors – or a directly elected mayor.

From 458 valid responses, 74% voted to have an elected mayor, while 26% supported having a council leader.

A special constitutional committee will consider the results next week before making a recommendation to the full council on which model should be adopted.

But with both the ruling Liberal Democrat administration and the Labour opposition strongly opposed to elected mayors, it is likely the council leader model will be retained.

Liam Fogarty, campaigner and chairman of amayor forliverpool.org, said: “Every time the people of Liverpool are asked about an elected mayor, they endorse the idea.

“Councillors could resolve this issue by organising a city-wide referendum – a People’s Poll – to coincide with next May’s local elections.”