The choice of whether B&NES should elect a mayor has been opposed by MP Ben Howlett, after a petition was received with the necessary number of signatures to trigger a referendum.
Although a date has not yet been agreed, the referendum is likely that it will be held earlier next year.
Ben Howlett, the Member of Parliament for Bath, commented: “I do not believe that an elected mayor is appropriate for BANES.
“Although successful examples can be seen across the UK, including London and Bristol, the extreme geographical and community diversity of BANES means this position is just not suitable.
“Keynsham has very different problems to the centre of Bath and an individual elected from either of those areas will not be able to fully understand the issues facing their residents.
“The current situation of an administration and Cabinet with representation from across the whole area, as well as two Members of Parliament is much more appropriate and representative.
“An elected mayor would present a new and dangerous centralising force when we should be making more decisions at a local level.
“An elected mayor will also further increase the cost of politics, at a time where cuts are being made across the board.
“A Mayor would receive a higher salary than the Leader of the Council and they will need to employ more costly policy and political advisors. We need to be taking steps to cut the cost of politics, not adding more costly bureaucracy.
“I urge the electors of Bath to think carefully about the consequences of an elected mayor before making their decision.”