IPPR is today calling for an elected mayor for every English town and city.

In support of their position, Dermot Finch, director of the Centre for Cities, said: "We need more city mayors outside London, with the visibility to jump-start local politics and take on more powers from Whitehall - over transport, planning, housing, regeneration and skills.

"Elected mayors work. Just look at London - where real powers have been devolved, funding for the Olympics and Crossrail has been secured, and the current election is attracting massive interest.

"The next generation of city mayors should focus on economic growth, not just on delivering services. Elected mayors would have the biggest impact across our largest regional centres like Greater Manchester, Tyneside and Greater Bristol - rather than having a mayor for each and every urban local authority. 

"The Government has been too timid on elected mayors so far. And existing council leaders have no incentive to risk their position. If we're going to have more city mayors, Gordon Brown and Hazel Blears need to offer some real strategic powers to Greater Manchester and other big city-regions."

Join the debate at Dermot Finch's blog. 

For more information, please call Claire Hibbitt on 020 7803 4315.