We are required to hold a referendum by 24 October 2016, following our announcement on Monday 23 May that a petition seeking a referendum on whether the Council should be run by an Elected Mayor was valid.

The referendum to ask local voters if they want the constitutional change to a directly Elected Mayor will be on Thursday 13 October.

As per statutory requirements, there will be an Extraordinary Council meeting on Tuesday 12 July 2016. Councillors will consider proposals for the operation of a directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet form of governance that would be introduced if it is approved at the referendum

The role of a directly Elected Mayor is different from the current ceremonial Mayor of Guildford. A directly Elected Mayor would have wide ranging decision-making powers.

We will announce further details nearer the time.

Published on Thursday 26 May 2016.