Letter: Personality mayors

London-based journalists such as David Walker see elected mayors as a way forward for cities because they judge the success of local government only by the example of London("Elected Mayors could give personality to local government", 11 February).

The real issue is that there is no London-wide government. In cities like Birmingham, however, the City Council is able to take strategic decisions to secure the future wealth and well-being of the city, while at the same time devolving power to local level for truly local issues.

Personality politics is attractive to the media because it provides personality copy. Local government is not showbusiness but the business of governance and ensuring the provision of services that have a massive impact on people's day-to-day lives.

THERESA STEWART

Leader of the Council

Birmingham City Council