DURHAM City's Liberal Democrats have come out against an elected mayor for the city.

The political party made its decision to urge the people of Durham to reject the elected mayor option in a local referendum to be held in November.

Citizens will be asked to choose between a directly-elected mayor and the current arrangement of a council leader with cabinet.

The decision to have a referendum in the city was made earlier this year after a public consultation exercise proved inconclusive. Only one in ten of 36,676 questionnaires were returned to Durham City Council.

Now the city's Liberal Democrats have resolved to urge the electorate to reject the elected mayor option. They argue it would concentrate too much power in the hands of a single individual. The group made its decision after a debate at its annual general meeting recently.

A resolution passed by the group reads: "Durham City Liberal Democrats believe that, by giving power to a single person, there is grave risk that the culture of patronage and cronyism in the city council will become even worse."

Acting chair of the group, Coun Mamie Simmons, said: "We are greatly concerned that there has been almost no public debate on this matter. We urge the press and public to get involved and informed as the referendum is only two months away."