Angus Forbes, the man behind the Mayor for Plymouth Campaign, has said that the actions by the Minister for Local Government Jim McMahon MP, in rushing through a secondary amendment to legislation, was a deliberate interference with a ‘live’ referendum.
He went further to say, ‘the only thing that is important is current legislation and that says that if on the 17th of July the people of Plymouth vote for mayor, the office is created there and then. What the government thinks it might do in the future is irrelevant. The actions of Jim McMahon MP were deliberate and politically motivated, to confuse and frustrate this referendum, when in fact the creation of a mayor in Plymouth is completely secure under current legislation, should the people want it on the 17th of July.’
The Mayor for Plymouth campaign (MFP) has gained such momentum, that now campaigns, completely separate to that of MFP, have launched all over the city - demonstrating that feelings are running high and that change is needed, especially after last week’s interference by Westminster.
Fourteen campaigns have launched across Plymouth to support the idea of Plymouth having a mayor - ahead of the Referendum next week. July 17 will see Plymouth citizens go to the polls and vote on how they want the city to be run.
Furthermore, all seven of the city’s Independent councillors have now said they support a mayor. These are the campaigns:
Mayor for Plymouth
Sponsor Angus Forbes. Angus Forbes and his team started the petition process two months before the General Election in 2024, gaining 13,800 signatures from all over Plymouth. An apolitical campaign in favour of giving Plymouth a choice on how they are governed.
Where You’re Heading
Sponsor Dave Meadows. Dave is an animation expert and is using his skills, and the TikTok platform, to show four 30 seconds of animation about the good ship Plymouth. Currently without a captain, it starts to catch up to other more successful ships (cities) when it adopts a mayor and benefits from direct democracy. Dave said:
“I have lived in Plymouth for 29 years, it needs a shake up, I’m tired of the same old lies and misinformation that has given Plymouth a reputation for being poorly run. This is an incredible part of the world to live in and could be transformed with the right person leading it.
"It's all about making Plymouth better for Plymothians and getting rid of the egos. I’d like to see a DEM actually getting things done, and the eradication of political scapegoating. DEMs have worked very successfully for other cities like Manchester, Liverpool and London.
"I want someone with a positive approach about how to improve Plymouth, not someone that witters on about how badly it was run before. Go and vote, preferably YES, but even if you don’t agree, this is the one chance to have a voice!”
Care For A Mayor
Sponsor Cindy Wilcocks QN. A Registered Mental Health Nurse, author, entrepreneur and business owner, Cindy was listed as a UK top 10 nurse of the year 2020 and awarded the Queen's Nurse title in 2023. Care For A Mayor is about ensuring people working within education, health and social care / charitable and community sectors are aware of the referendum and vote. Cindy said:
“I’d like to see integrity, honesty and honour in a DEM. Someone who has heart and community at the forefront of decision making and planning alongside those affected by changes.
"We need a leader who will listen to the people of Plymouth and have clear policies to achieve things. Someone who will create opportunities for Plymouth to keep talent and attract talent, and someone who puts as much time into the community and the people of Plymouth as they do campaigning.”
Save Democracy
Sponsor Nick Pomeroy. Run by born-and-bred Plymothian, energy executive Nick Pomeroy, Save Democracy is a campaign in response to the recent attempt to interfere with the referendum that will let people decide on the city’s governance. It’s about protecting people’s democratic rights and ensuring the people of Plymouth have a say in their own future. He said:
“With a directly elected mayor, Plymouth can overcome ongoing political conflict and gridlock. The city will have a strong, independent leader focused on real progress, unlocking the potential Plymouth has for economic growth, community wellbeing, and positive change.
"It’s about shifting from division and stagnation to unity and action. On July 17th, I urge every Plymothian to vote for change. The current council model isn’t working, and Plymouth deserves better. This is our chance to save democracy, bring in accountable leadership, and shape a brighter future for our city. It’s now or never. Please use your vote to make a difference.”
Plymouth Disability Action – Yes To A Mayor
Sponsor Mat Surtees. Mat lives with Fibromyalgia and also has a disabled partner, Tasha. He started supporting the prospect of a directly elected leader after leaving Plymouth Labour due to the proposed Welfare Cuts. Mat said:
“I am tired of not being listened to by the councillors we elected, with a leader we didn’t choose. I am fed up with the party politics and playground antics that I’ve witnessed far too often in the Council Chambers. As Labour themselves once said, ‘It’s Time For Change’.
"I have been highlighting the neglect caused by the current leadership system in PCC. I’d like to see someone who isn’t led by party politics, can get the job done, bringing vital investment into the city in areas of employment, education, SEND provision, transport infrastructure and much, much more.”
Veterans for Mayor
Sponsor Grant Spencer. A veteran himself, and recognised author, Grant wants Plymouth to become the best city in England for veterans. Second after Leeds in having the largest population of veterans, Grant would like to see the military covenant upheld for all who have served in the three colours of the armed services.
Reform
Sponsor Peter Gold. Using the slogan Plymouth Deserves Better, Peter’s campaign balances criticism of the last 25 years of councillor-led Plymouth with optimism for the future. Over 25k leaflets have been distributed by Reform volunteers.
TOMI (Tudor Out, Mayor In)
Sponsor Dave Griffiths. A well-known figure in Whitleigh, and owner of Porkies Cafe, Dave’s campaign focuses on the failings of the councillors, such as the central park ponds.
Women for a Mayor
Sponsor Gillian Nair. Gillian returned to live in her native Plymouth 10 years ago after a decade of living and working in London. Looking for connections with her fellow women, she founded Plymouth’s largest online network in Plymouth, Gossip Girls, on Facebook which now has 85,000 local women as active members. Her campaign has been committed to calm open dialogue as to the choice Plymouth faces.
Inspire Plymouth
Sponsor Paul Fenton. Ever positive for progress, residents may well have seen Paul’s digital advertising truck around Plymouth recently, inspiring Plymouth to vote Yes to a Mayor. Recently he changed his slogan to Don’t let Labour silence your voice.
Community Action Group
Sponsor Omar Ali. A proud member of the Kurdhish community in Plymouth and a hard working taxi driver, Omar is speaking to diverse communities across Plymouth about the benefits of having a mayor, particularly for business growth.
Let Plymouth Decide
Sponsor Dean Seddon. A successful businessman, Dean had a foray into local politics when he ran for councillor. Let Plymouth decide is an interview based campaign, targeting Janners to hear their thoughts on why Plymouth needs a mayor and then sharing those via TikTok.
Plymouth Musicians For A Mayor
Sponsor Scott Cook. Using the slogan, Set The Music Free, Scott is galvanizing the creative sector. He has a gig occurring on July 10th and is sponsoring Ruckus. Particularly keen on live music, he laments the loss of free music events in Plymouth over the years and wants them back central to Plymouth’s cultural fabric.
Barbican for Mayor
Sponsor Carly Laughton. Carly is one of the great enthusiastic characters of the Barbican, being the manager of Jacka Bakery. She wants a vibrant Plymouth with small businesses thriving, with the city led by someone people believe in.
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