Martin Ford 19 December 2022

Mayors do not lead to better outcomes, polling finds

Mayors do not lead to better outcomes, polling finds image
Image: Sandor Szmutko / Shutterstock.com.

People do not think mayors lead to better outcomes for their community, polling by a coalition of community groups has found.

A survey released today by the campaign group We’re Right Here found 17% thought more power for metro and county mayors would lead to better outcomes compared to 46% for community groups.

The Opinium poll of more than 2,000 people also found 14% of respondents believed having a mayor would give them a greater sense of personal control, compared to 35% saying local community organisations and groups with more power would give them a sense of control.

By a margin of five to one, people preferred that the Government prioritise empowering community organisations and groups (50%) over creating new mayors (10%).

The Opinium poll of more than 2,000 people also found 14% of respondents believed having a mayor would give them a greater sense of personal control compared to 35% who said local community organisations and groups with more power would give them a greater sense of control.

By a margin of five to one, people preferred the Government to prioritise empowering community organisations and groups (50%) over creating new mayors (10%).

Andy Jackson, a We’re Right Here campaign leader who runs a development trust near Sheffield, said: ‘Of course we should have good leaders at the city or county level, running the things that need to be run at that scale, but don’t for a minute believe new mayors are going to meet people’s deep desire for more control over the things that matter to them.’

This article was originally published by The MJ (£).

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Positive Behaviour & Learning Manager

City Of Doncaster Council
£35,620
The role will lead on the day-to-day delivery of Positive Behaviour Support with our young people. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Council Tax Assistant x 2 posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
£26,403 - £27,255
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Engineer Highway Design (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
£40,778 - £45,092
Are you motivated to contribute and learn in a dynamic environment? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Airfield Safeguarding and Change Manager

City Of Doncaster Council
£40,778 - £45,092
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing to relaunch Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Relationship Development Officer

Essex County Council
£38025 - £44747 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity until March 2028.*You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day a week and across England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner