PM Urges Voters To Say 'Yes' To City Mayors

The Prime Minister is to urge people to take a "once in a generation chance" for democratic reform by backing city mayors, in a speech later.

David Cameron will tell the public that voting yes in referendums, to be held a week on Thursday, will give areas powerful champions to represent their interests.

Speaking to Conservative Party activists in Bristol, Mr Cameron is to say: "Britain stands on the brink of exciting democratic change.

"Let's be clear what this moment means. It's not some trivial re-structure or fiddling about.

"It's about more investment across our country. More jobs for our workers.

"More life in our political system. It's a once in a generation chance to change the way our country is run."

Last week Sky News hosted the London mayoral debate between the three main candidates battling it out for the votes of six million residents.

The Prime Minister wants mayoral voting to be more important to the nation.

He is expected to say: "I passionately want those cities - from Bristol to Birmingham, Nottingham to Newcastle, Sheffield to Wakefield, to give a resounding, emphatic yes next week."

Mr Cameron warned that cities risked "stagnating" if mayors were not introduced.

"If you want your local champion speaking to the heart of Government, banging their fist on the table for Birmingham, or Bristol or Leeds - get out and vote yes," he said.

"If you want to see your city grow more prominent, more powerful, more prosperous - get out and vote yes."