SalfordOnline

With vast Council cuts imminent, the city's mind is perhaps not focused on the Mayor of the city.

But with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee coming up, there's a chance for Salford to upgrade to a Lord Mayor - like the other cities in the North-West.

Neighbours Manchester and Liverpool already have a Lord Mayor as the civic representative of the city at major events while Salford - despite being a city as well, makes do with just a Mayor.

"Every ten years towns have the chance to become cities and cities have the chance to apply for a Lord Mayorality," says proposing councillor Ian MacDonald.

"Usually one of each is awarded by the Queen," he added.

And with Salford's incredible history, it should be easy to persuade the powers-that-be that Salford is deserving of such an accolade, he says.

Ian believes this could at least be a small boost that Salford needs amid all the terrible news we're hearing with closures of staples of Salford's status and prestige as a city - our county and magistrates courts, and our maternity unit at Salford Royal Hospital.

And he's convinced that it won't cost any money to the city, with the Mayor keeping all the same regalia and chains, with no extra expenses, and using all the same transport arrangements that the Mayor currently has.

Former Mayor of Salford Roger Lightup, now a community reporter for SalfordOnline, here interviews Ian about the likely outcomes for Salford.

Comment by Seadog  15th February 2011 Poppycock!! Forget silly titles, just get on with the job of reducing waste... start by getting rid of that useless Life in Salford comic.

Comment by Salfordian  14th February 2011 Just what is the point?

Comment by fish4  11th February 2011 Question; Would Lian be the Lord Mayor?. 'he's convinced that it won't cost any money to the city', It would be more convincing if Lian were to say it will definitely not, without any doubt, absolutely not cost any more, not one single penny more. I am convinced that if you took to the streets and asked the real people, of importance, if a lord mayor is needed; they would probably say no and add neither is a mayor.