Entrepreneur Richard Branson, flamboyant Lord Archer and left-winger Ken Livingstone were today named as possible frontrunners in the race to become London's new elected Mayor.

But who would be the prime candidates for the job if York were to face a similar choice?

Today the Evening Press contacted a few of the local names who might throw their hat into the ring if the city were to have its own elected mayor after Prime Minister Tony Blair said he hoped other towns and cities would want to follow London's example.

In the world of showbiz and the arts, panto star Berwick Kaler would be sure to be a popular choice.

"I would like to stand and if elected would immediately declare independence from the rest of the country, making York into a kingdom with Acomb as the capital," he said.

"I would introduce innovative anti-pollution measures and would ban petrol. All cars would have to be pulled by elephants."I would also ban men who wear frocks because I think it's unhealthy."

Author Charles Whiting, alias Leo Kessler, also drew up an instant manifesto, and said he would love to stand.

"Pavements would be improved, buskers would be removed from the streets, tourists would have to be rigorously examined and any carrying less than £10 would be excluded and as the council always tells us not to use our cars, all council employees should be forced to walk to work," he said.

Other possibilities could include Judi Dench although she might not like the idea of speaking in public, as well as Shed Seven's Rick Witter, Gladiator Hunter and Full Monty star Mark Addy.

Mark's mum Gillian said: "I'd certainly vote for him, he'd be a good ambassador for York, but I think he'd be too busy with his filming these days."

Among York's more serious fraternity, controversial priest Peter Mullen who naturally disagrees with the idea ruled himself out."I'm far too old and conservative and reactionary," he said.

Another opponent was civic trust chairman John Shannon who also ruled himself out because of age, as did Oliver Worsley, brother of the Duchess of Kent.

Mr Worsley said: "I am very much in favour of the idea of a mayor having more influence. I spent a good deal of time in the USA and saw it work well. At one time I would have been terribly interested now I think I'm a bit too old."

See COMMENT: Leave mayor alone

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