CALLS for a consultation about holding a referendum on Lewisham's directly-elected mayoral system have been rejected.

A joint motion, put forward by Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Morris and Green Party leader Councillor Darren Johnson, was voted down at full council last week.

The motion stated the "council believes after five years of the current system the people of Lewisham should now have the opportunity to consider whether an elected mayor is the best method of delivering local government within the borough."

The Socialists and Conservatives were also involved in the drafting of the motion.

When there was a referendum in Lewisham in October 2001, 16,822 residents voted in favour of an elected mayor, with 15,914 votes against.

The vote had an 18-per-cent turnout.

At the meeting on April 18, Cllr Morris said: "What the motion is setting out to do is to start the process of people being consulted over whether they really want to continue with an executive mayor.

"I believe it is now time such a consultation is necessary."

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock told the meeting a very good example of democracy in action was when the electorate voted him back in at last May's elections.

He said: "This is political posturing, nothing more, nothing less."

Cllr Morris added: "If we are wrong, what is your worry?

"There are some good things which have happened in the borough.

"But what is the unique thing which has come about because of the mayoral system?"

After a lengthy debate from all political parties in the council chambers at the Civic Suite, Catford, the motion was rejected by a vote of 28 to 24.

Mr Bullock added: "I now hope everyone can concentrate on doing the best for residents, rather than campaigning to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate."