UNIONISTS in Bolton are calling for a referendum on proposals for a Greater Manchester Mayor.

The Bolton Trades Union Council (TUC) slammed the introduction of a directly-elected Mayor in 2017, which is a compulsory aspect of the devolution deal offered to Greater Manchester by Chancellor George Osborne.

At a delegate meeting, members of the TUC backed a resolution from Unite the Union, calling on a vote about whether there should be a Mayor at all.

Martin McMulkin, secretary of Bolton TUC, said: “People were shocked to see Cliff Morris and other Labour council leaders shaking hands with Conservative Chancellor George Osborne.

“We were told that a deal has been to devolve powers but people want real democracy – that means the ability to make fundamental decisions that affect their daily lives.

“That should mean giving powers and resources back to our local councils.

“We need more details about what is planned. Most people would not like the idea of concentrating considerable amounts of money and resources into the offices of one individual who would act as a new super mayor.

“People need facts and will want to be able to make their own minds up about the pros and cons of an elected mayor. It should not be forced on them.”

At a recent meeting of Bolton Council cabinet, chief executive Sean Harriss said there were checks and balances in place to make sure the powers of the Mayor were checked.

The 10 Greater Manchester local authority leaders will form the mayor’s cabinet and will have the power to vote down decisions by a two-third majority, for example.

He added: “There are no decisions currently made by Bolton members, for the Bolton public, that will change as a result of these proposals.”

Labour councillor Nick Peel added that government have previously been guilty of centralising powers in Whitehall, and this devolution package would give more power to Greater Manchester leaders.

He added: “This is the right thing for this Greater Manchester city region.

“I don’t think any of us want or would have jumped up and down for a directly elected Mayor, but that is the price we have to pay for control over our own economic destiny.”