Date is set for elected city mayors

England's largest cities moved closer to deciding on directly elected mayors after Cities Minister Greg Clark set the date for local referendums.

Ballot boxes will open across Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle Upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wakefield on 3 May 2012 for people to vote for an elected mayor. This is the same date as most of their local elections.

Where people vote in favour, the city will move to an elected mayor and hold elections.

Greg Clark said: "Our greatest cities can benefit from strong, visible leadership and international standing that a mayor, elected with a clear mandate, can bring.

"Around the world, including in London, a mayor has become a vital part in ensuring that a great city has a strong voice and can attract investment from home and aboard.

"Britain's success depends on the success of our great cities and I am convinced that an elected mayor, taking powers previously confined to ministers, can help realise their potential."