DO NOT under-estimate the importance of what David Cameron says in this newspaper today on the subject of elected mayors.
This was not a case of the Conservative Party leader being cornered by our political editor Jonathan Walker as he passed, unprepared, in a House of Commons corridor and asked for a quick opinion on the issue. This was no off-the-cuff quote.
Mr Cameron was in Birmingham and knew that this was an subject which would be discussed when he visited the Birmingham Mail's offices. And, when he was asked, he calmly and thoughtfully gave his views.
Those views were explicit: "I am a fan of elected mayors. And you can't have an elected mayor without a referendum."
He went further - saying that an elected mayor would be good for this city, giving it a clear sense of identity and a clear line of accountability.
He was polite and levelled no criticism at Birmingham's Tory-led council, but insisted: "It is for the people of Birmingham to decide."
Mr Cameron's message was clear - and it is the same message that the Birmingham Mail has been conveying.
Let the people decide how THEIR city should be governed.
His comments will be read today by council leader Mike Whitby and his colleagues in their offices above Victoria Square. We await their reaction with interest.
The crucial issue of allowing Birmingham's electorate to have a referendum cannot be dodged.
Coun Whitby and his ruling cabinet would do well to reflect on the forthright and unambiguous comments of a man who may very well be his party's Prime Minister in waiting.
Then, finally, they should react like true political leaders and allow the people of this great city to vote whether they want an elected mayor.
Silence is no longer an option.