VOTERS will go to the polls on May 6 next year to decide if they want elections for a mayor in Tower Hamlets. The referendum gives voters the chance to pick a mayor for a four year term or have a leader and Cabinet system, but with the leader serving fo

VOTERS will go to the polls on May 6 next year to decide if they want elections for a mayor in Tower Hamlets.

The referendum gives voters the chance to pick a mayor for a four year term or have a leader and Cabinet system, but with the leader serving four years instead of the current four.

If people opt for a directly elected mayor they will be following in the footsteps of neighbouring Hackney and Newham.

No one has thrown their hat in the ring yet but Bethnal Green and Bow MP George Galloway's Respect party triggered the referendum and the current leader of the council Labour's Lutfur Rahman is rumoured to be a possible favoured candidate.

The referendum will be held on the same day as the council elections and will cost the council �70,000 to run the vote.