Manchester could strengthen its economy and raise its international profile under the leadership of an elected mayor, a city strategist has said.

Daniel Mouawad, chief executive of Pro-Manchester, a professional services body, said a mayor could take control of strategic developments, improve governance and steer economic growth.

Speaking ahead of a referendum on 3 July, he said: ‘Regardless of the merit of the decisions, London has won the 2012 Olympics, introduced the congestion charge, given Crossrail the green light and introduced smart ticketing through the Oyster card.

‘London works because its mayor leads and coordinates the integration of strategic issues across a number of policy areas, such as the economy, environment, spatial planning and transport. This is exactly what Manchester needs.’

Manchester needed greater control of its destiny, he said. It should not have to rely on collaboration between authorities in Greater Manchester to take cross-boundary decisions.