A LEADING Tory is calling for a London-style directly elected mayor in Southend to drive the town forward.

Dan Nelson wants a fundamental shift in the way the town is governed to boost accountability and openness.

He spoke out after a volley of criticism was hurled at Southend Council officials over poor communication.

Southend is currently governed by a leader and cabinet made up of a Labour, Lib Dem and Independent alliance and there is a ceremonial mayor - Tory John Lamb.

Mr Nelson, Tory councillor for Southchurch, believes a directly elected mayor would help to bridge the gap between council staff and the work of councillors.

He said: “Having a directly elected mayor will give 100 per cent accountability and in my personal view there is a need for more accountability in Southend.

“Currently we have an officer-led constitution rather than a councillor-led constitution whereby elected councillors come up with ideas and officer then need to look at those ideas and how they can make them work.

“Meanwhile, a directly elected mayor would have a democratic mandate.

“Right now, as a councillor I can only represent one ward but with a directly elected mayor, they can represent everyone in Southend.”

However, the idea has been rejected by members of rival parties including Independent councillor Stephen Aylen, who previously criticised council staff.

My Aylen said it was a “definite no” to supporting the idea and stressed the importance of the borough keeping a ceremonial mayor who can be an ambassador for the town.

He said he would rather see the council leader become the person who is in charge of running the council.

Council leader, Labour councillor Ian Gilbert, also rejected the idea.

He said: “It is sometimes argued that councillors do not have enough power under the cabinet system but this removes power from councillors and hands it to a single figurehead.”

His concerns were backed by the deputy leader of the council, Ron Woodley, who said: “You would be putting all your eggs into one basket with one person. I think that having 51 councillor who work together for the benefit of the town rather than a single person is much more beneficial.”