From beginning to end, the Labour Government's handling of the referendum was 'shambolic' according to the Conservative MP for South West Devon.
Ms Smith had remained neutral in the referendum, which was thrown into chaos when government ministers confirmed that they would attempt to block Plymouth's democratic choice for a mayor, regardless of how the city voted.
Rebecca Smith MP said:
"Now the dust has settled I wanted to comment on the referendum for a directly elected mayor.
"I know many of my Plympton and Plymstock constituents signed the petition for a referendum and will have voted accordingly. I am also aware that there were many who were not interested, not in support or took the Government's view into account as they voted.
"As you may be aware, ahead of this important vote I sought clarity from the Government to ensure that Plymothians knew the full facts.
"The way the government have handled this process has been shambolic from beginning to end. They knew the referendum was coming but waited until the last minute to confirm their position.
"Please do not feel as if you have no voice moving forward. Not only can you be a voice but, as your MP, I will continue to hold council leaders to account. I encourage any constituents to continue to raise issues of concern with me."
The comments echo those of 'Mayor for Plymouth' campaigner Angus Forbes, who accused the Government of interfering in the referendum process and misleading voters. Mr Forbes told Plymouth Plus:
"I call upon the Prime Minister to issue an apology to the citizens of Plymouth for his government’s direct frustration and interference in a live referendum, an action of self-determination which was started well before the general election."
Reacting to the results, the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View Fred Thomas said in a Facebook statement:
"I am really pleased that the people of Plymouth have voted to reject this model that has been tried, tested and failed across the country. We now need to move on and put the division behind us.
"This referendum was a waste of time, money, and energy. The government has already made clear that no new city mayors will be created – the referendum was pointless.
"I know that people want to see change in Plymouth and that is why they may have voted for a Mayor, I want to see change too. But this referendum was never going to deliver it – so let’s move on and work together to make our city an even better place to live."
The Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Luke Pollard said:
"This referendum was always a dead end, and I’m pleased Plymouth has rejected this costly, failed experiment. It was clear from the start that it would never lead to a city mayor for Plymouth. Voter turnout was low - not because people didn’t care, but because they knew the referendum was pointless."
While the referendum result means Plymouth will stick with its current governance model, the impending local government reorganisation and introduction of a regional mayor suggest the conversation over leadership and change in the city is far from over.
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