OPPOSITION groups are calling for a referendum to abolish the position of directly-elected mayor.

The Bring Back Democracy in Lewisham campaign was launched outside Lewisham Town Hall on June 23.

It is supported by Lewisham's Conservatives, Greens, Liberal Democrats, Socialist Alternative and Respect parties, and groups such as Local Education Action by Parents, (LEAP), Save Ladywell Pool Campaign and the New School Campaign.

They argue the mayoral system has not "transformed" Lewisham since it was introduced more than four-and-a-half-years ago and they are now calling for a return to a cabinet and leader set-up, which operates in more than 90 per cent of other councils.

This will come as a further blow to Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock and supporters of the Labour-run council, which suffered its first defeat in 35 years by opposition councillors at the last full council meeting on June 14.

It was over school places and Ladywell Leisure Centre.

A motion was raised by Green councillor Darren Johnson and Socialist councillor Ian Page calling for advisers to investigate "more appropriate sites for a new school" rather than the leisure centre.

Twenty seven councillors voted in favour with 25 against.

New School campaign secretary John Hamilton said: "For all the spin about a directly-elected mayor being more in touch with the people, the experience of Lewisham has shown such a mayor relies too heavily on the advice of his officers, who may not give all the options and who may come under undue pressure from private sector firms."

Liberal Democrat group leader Mark Morris added: "Lewisham Liberal Democrats opposed the creation of an executive mayor and everything over the past four years has confirmed our worst fears.

"It is time to give power back to people in Lewisham."

The groups need to collect at least 9,000 signatures to be able to call for a new referendum, which is planned for October 18.

The petition is being organised by Save Ladywell Pool campaign member Nick Ingham.

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock said: "The issue is not about decisions being made by one person but the fact they don't really like the decisions I've made.

"The mayor system is open, accountable and transparent.

"People know who makes the decisions and know who to shout at."