The Birmingham Mail has taken centre-stage in the controversy about whether the city should get an elected mayor.

The newspaper organised a debate in the city’s Council Chamber on the issue, inviting Middlesbrough’s elected mayor, Ray Mallon, to speak in favour of the idea and Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood to speak against.

An audience of around 100 readers and politicians from across the parties heard views from both sides in the two hour discussion.

A vote then saw 70 per cent in favour of a referendum, giving the people of Birmingham the right to decide if they wanted an elected mayor.

Mail editor Steve Dyson chairs the debate

The day after the debate, the Birmingham Mail’s leader column strongly urged council leaders to consider the call for a true and binding referendum on the issue.

It said: “Not everyone thought elected mayors were a good idea. A snap poll recorded a 60:40 split against such a system – although at least 30 of those voting were either current or former councillors, often against the idea because they fear it might dilute their power.

“But most importantly, when the main vote of the evening was held, the audience was emphatic – 70 per cent voting that it must be Birmingham’s citizens who decide on whether or not elected mayors are a way forward.

“Ideally, the council should act on what was recorded – that, in general, a vote on mayors was split in favour of keeping the status quo, but that an overwhelming majority feel the electorate should be given the chance to make that decision.

“Today the Birmingham Mail says that council leaders must consider this call, as they can trigger a true and binding referendum on the issue, rather than the consultative one held six years ago that unfairly split a vote that was actually in favour of a mayoral system.

“If the council does not, then the Birmingham Mail itself may collect a petition to legally force the issue…if the public continues to indicate that is what it wants.”

The debate was one of a series organised by the paper on major issues, including proposed changes to local health services.

Features editor Paul Fulford said the events were an ideal way of allowing readers to get the information they needed and voice their opinions.