A SUGGESTION that Tavistock Town Council should have a leader — as well as a mayor — was last week given the thumbs down. The idea that there should be a ceremonial figurehead in addition to a council leader was put forward during a recent staffing meeting. Cllr Mandy Govier told members of the town's finance committee that she was 'slightly horrified' by the notion. She said: 'No-one of the 41 council groups of which we are a member has a leader, they all have a mayor. 'I think this council is getting a little above its situation. There are principal councils — and we are not one — we need to remember that. 'We don't have the policies to need to carry this role and I don't think it's appropriate for this level of authority.' Cllr Jenny Metcalf said: 'I think we are small and beautiful and I think we should stay like that. 'I don't think the ratepayers of Tavistock would be very chuffed at having a leader as well as a mayor — it doesn't seem appropriate.'
