Speaking in public for the first time since Liverpool City Council voted not to hold a referendum on the election of a Mayor, Leader of the Council Joe Anderson said:
"In all honesty, yes, I would have liked a referendum; I'm a democrat after all. Choosing not to hold a public referendum on Liverpool's elected mayor was the "right thing to do."
Earlier this month, Liverpool councillors voted to bypass a referendum on an elected mayor. The council said this will give the city access to a mayoral capital fund of £75m and lead a potential £1bn worth of investment. It is not clear yet what sums the election of a Mayor will provide. £1.3 million is supposed to become available for the city once the Mayor is elected. Further sums may follow.
Anderson spoke at the Downtown Liverpool in Business' Liverpool economic forum. He is clear that the economic advantages to having the Mayor:
"I think it's clear that local government funding will never be the same again so cities have to do things differently. They have to be entrepreneurial, take big opportunities and make bold decisions. That's how we're going to survive and move forward and create business growth."
Anderson is tipped to become the city's first elected mayor and wants create a "brighter future" for Liverpool.
"The main aim for me is very simple; we need to create economic growth and create jobs. The business community can play a role in helping us shape things, that is absolutely right. In essence, we have to work together and can plan together for a brighter future for our city."
Frank McKenna, chairman of Downtown Liverpool in Business said: "It was fantastic to welcome Joe Anderson to speak to the business community about the implications an elected mayor will have on the city.
"An elected mayor has a huge significance for Liverpool and I think it can really take the city to the next level."
