Metro mayors were more recognisable than local authority leaders and MPs in almost every place that has one, according to new public polling.
Metro mayors were more recognisable than local authority leaders and MPs in almost every place that has one, according to new public polling from Centre for Cities and Focaldata published as mayoral election campaigns begin in several parts of England.
On average, 74 per cent of people were able to name their directly-elected mayor compared to 20 per cent who could identify their local authority leader and 43 per cent who could identify their MP.
More people could correctly identify their mayor in Greater London (88 per cent) than anywhere else. In Greater Manchester, 83 per cent correctly identified Andy Burnham as their Mayor and across the combined authorities (which excludes the Greater London Authority), an average of 65 per cent of people could correctly name their mayor.
Polling also found:
Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, said:
“The level of recognition for mayors show they are fulfilling the purpose their role was created for – establishing a visible and accountable leader for their place. The fact that people are more likely to vote for the individual candidate rather than the political party they represent emphasises this. People want local leaders to put place before politics.
“But the findings also show there is still work to do, particularly in the new combined authorities in the North East and the East Midlands, to draw attention to the upcoming mayoral elections.
“A challenge for all of us is to continue to build awareness of and raise the profile of metro mayors. Local news sources, and trusted institutions and individuals have important roles in raising the prominence of mayoral elections and supporting discussions about what issues matter most locally. And in return, mayors must deliver on them.
“The fact that the public wants powers to be held at a local level is good news, and shows a strong appetite for devolution to move further and faster. Places are demanding more of a say over the decisions that make a difference to their lives – housing and transport in particular. Westminster and Whitehall need to respond.”