THE tide has turned in the debate about the rights and wrongs of letting Birmingham's voters decide whether they want an elected mayor.
A increasing number of influential figures, from politics, business and the voluntary sector, have spoken out in favour of a referendum.
Some have gone further - arguing that that big cities such as this need an elected mayor to provide strong, focused leadership.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has reiterated his support for a vote.
Coun Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council and a member of Mr Cameron's party, is looking increasingly isolated as he continues to hold out against giving the people the right to decide.
Today, in friendship, the Birmingham Mail, which believes passionately in a public vote, urges Coun Whitby to reconsider his stance.
To do so would not be a sign of weakness, but would display the clear-sighted and pragmatic attitude of a man ready to respond to changing realities.
He can rest assured that there would be no triumphalism in this newspaper if he recognised that a referendum must be held. There would be no point scoring. Indeed, we would applaud his readiness to listen.
There is no hidden agenda.
We simply believe that Birmingham's voters have an undeniable right to decide how this great city is run. It is for them to decide whether we should have an elected mayor.
Coun Whitby, take time today to reflect on why so many powerful figures agree with us.
Let the people decide.