‘We need fresh blood, new ideas, initiatives’

MANY Mercury readers feel it is time for change in the city after the Labour Party this week said Sir Peter Soulsby has been selected unchallenged as its candidate for the next mayoral elections.

This came despite calls from some in the party to open up the process to allow a debate on the future of the city and its leadership.

Rushey Mead ward councillor Rita Patel resigned from her position as assistant mayor last month, saying we would “live to regret it” if we did not have that conversation now.

Castle ward Councillor Patrick Kitterick had stated his intention to challenge Sir Peter for the candidacy, if the opportunity arose.

However, the local party said members voted overwhelmingly to keep Sir Peter as their candidate for the 2023 elections, without opening the floor to potential challengers. Sir Peter said he was delighted to be reselected.

However, many readers feel it is time for change. One said: “As a visitor to Leicester over the last 16 years, I have seen some good changes [but I am] fed up with the constant pavement works.

“Millions spent paving all over the city centre only to be dug up again.

“Perhaps the time has come for a fresh leader.”

A second said: “We need some fresh blood... new ideas and initiatives to improve how we get round this city”, while another posted: “Leicester just needs a change, fresh ideas and new enthusiasm.

“What’s really been achieved since 2011? Not that much in real terms, such a shame that no one in the council would stand up and challenge it.”

With the prominence of the Labour Party in Leicester, it is likely Sir Peter will be re-elected for another term next year.

This led one reader to comment: “[I] don’t know why we waste money on voting in Leicester because you know the outcome before you vote!

“When it comes to the people’s vote for a new mayor, let’s hope people vote for a change.

“Perhaps we would get something different from cycle lanes that don’t get used and constant road works.”

However, one reader said the decision made sense to them.

“Fair enough. Seems to be doing an all right job so far,” they said.

READERS GIVE REACTIONS TO NEWS SIR PETER PICKED AS PARTY CANDIDATE - AND UNCHALLENGED