Mayoral proposal is at least worth considering

AS SCOTLAND'S capital city, Edinburgh may not seem to be in need of any special promotion. It is admired across Europe for its cultural appeal and heritage, and so far appears to be holding its own on measures such as new business formation against comparator cities in the UK. So why is it so many of its business representatives feel that it is still not doing as well as it could?

A recurring theme is leadership, or the lack of it. Many believe the city would benefit from having, like London, a directly-elected mayor. The capital needs a figurehead to help put its case in an ever more competitive global market to attract business and events. And it needs to have its interests more strongly represented to the Scottish Government and parliament, where some believe its wealth and resources can be better used to subsidise less well endowed areas.

A directly-elected mayor would have appeal. But the city already has a Provost and a Council leader. And how much public support would there be for an additional office and secretariat when the council's budget is under severe pressure and jobs are already being cut?

However, before the city is hit by a major loss of attraction or business, there is a case for an independent inquiry to consider the case for a directly elected mayor. A public debate is surely due.