In 2012 several English cities voted against directly elected mayors. This week elections were held for mayors in regions that included the same cities. The main responsibility for the incumbents is to promote an economic strategy, even though few of them are expected to have any economic experience or qualifications. Regional economic issues used to be raised in parliament by local MPs but those MPs now dance to a tune composed by their party not their voters. The forthcoming national election is marketed as a contest between party leaders, allowing the parties to ignore local issues and parachute inept cronies into safe seats. Some parliamentary candidates have no knowledge of the area and lack the support of their local party.

 Local organisations, such as social clubs, and parish councils, understand democracy. Members select a committee and empower them to make decisions.  Elected MPs no longer make their own decisions as they are obliged to vote on party lines, even if their constituents have a different view. Increasingly they cannot voice or satisfy the needs of local people, hence the perceived need for a mayor and the corresponding cost to the taxpayer.

 On 8 June, you can vote for a party and allow important national decisions to be made by a small number of unelected paying party members or you can pick the best candidate, regardless of party, from those who are standing in your area.  If you want that area, and eventually your country, to stop wasting money on unnecessary gimmicks like regional mayors, you need to pick the right person to represent you.