'Majority can't name council leader'

Nearly 75% of the public cannot name the leader of their council, a poll has revealed.

The survey by Ipsos MORI and published to tie in with a New Local Government Network (NLGN) collection of essays on mayors out today (23 June 2008), showed that 71% of those polled could not name their council leader.

The same survey also said that 38% of people support the idea of a directly elected mayor for their council, while 29% opposed it.

Support was stronger when asked whether major cities in the UK should have elected mayors, with 40% in agreement and 16% were against.

Call for elected mayors

In one of the accompanying essays, NLGN director Chris Leslie called for more elected mayors to solve the UK's "constitutional imbalance".

Mr Leslie argued that a push from the government for more elected mayors would prove it is serious about devolving power within England.

He added that this move could allay a perception that Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have received greater decentralisation than the English regions.

Also writing in the collection of essays, communities secretary Hazel Blears wrote that she has been "personally impressed" with local mayors and argues that "local mayors offer a form of leadership that is clear, accountable and visible. Mayors can balance competing priorities and take tough decisions in the community's wider interests".