The Gloucestershire Echo has thanked its readers following a referendum in Cheltenham that resulted in the town keeping its ceremonial mayor.

Voters had been asked if they wanted a directly elected mayor to run Cheltenham Borough Council.

A ‘yes’ vote would have brought in a new-style, all-powerful mayor and done away with the more traditional role.

But the paper feared the referendum question could have confused voters and led a campaign urging people to vote ‘no’.

It said people could have been pressured to vote ‘yes’ if they misunderstood the implications of the idea.

The paper said: “The Echo took up the cudgels and fought for a ‘no’ vote because the referendum question was loaded and misleading.

“We knew that if we sat back and did nothing, the result could be disastrous for the borough and for the future democracy in Cheltenham.”

At the referendum 66 per cent of those who took part voted ‘no’ to the directly elected mayor option.

Coun Alex Cassin, the local Lib Dem leader, said: “I’m delighted. I believe this is the best result for the people of Cheltenham.

“I would like to thank the Echo for highlighting the importance of the issue and bringing it to people’s attention.”

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