This week, metro mayors will be elected across England. But looking at the candidates, you would think leadership at a local level was only a man’s game.
The prime minister is keen to focus voters’ minds on which party should run the country, and how to avoid a “coalition of chaos”. But away from Westminster, coalitions and alliances are the norm in devolved nations and at local level – with parties working together, and political diversity something to be valued.
It’s a shame the same can’t be said for demographic diversity. The government and other parties have totally dropped their guard when it comes to a key facet of modern leadership: the ability for the new leaders and their teams to reflect those they represent.
As we have noted in our new report, in terms of representation, the new metro-mayor posts risk looking like “diversity deserts”. A staggering 93% of the most powerful positions – mayoralties and cabinet posts – will be held by white men. In four regions, including the Liverpool city region and the West Midlands, not one woman will hold a position of power. Coupled with the poor record on electing women to police and crime commissioners (there are only seven out of 41 currently), local democracy is an old boys’ club: one which looks likely to be entrenched on Thursday.
If half the population are excluded from the top table, then how many other gaps will also be there, from social class to disability? Given that the combined authorities reward those who already hold power, it is not difficult to see how the situation has arisen. The question now is what can be done.
The problem starts at the very base. When it comes to council leaders – who will sit on these cabinets – parties are far more likely to promote men than women. So next time round, two years in advance, the parties should collectively pledge to field and secure equal numbers of women and men across the regions.
Of course, one reason for parties dropping the ball on this is the government’s initial audacity in rushing to impose a new model of governance, behind closed doors and without any public consultation.
But now parties at the helm of combined authorities need to do all they can to jump from the current 17% to 50% of women council leaders in England at the moment – so that they are in pole position to be leaders and cabinet members in the combined authorities. As a minimum, all should follow Manchester’s lead and create female deputies to ensure some senior women are at the top table.
Fortunately, it is in local citizens’ power to change the game. Women are plugged into local services, business and voluntary groups. Helped by parties who reach out and spot talent, they can be in position to grab local power, starting by being selected and elected as councillors.
Building that momentum has to begin now – and it starts with recognising there’s a problem. With only one woman likely to win any of the six mayoral contests, this election is over before it has started when it comes to diversity. Firing the starting gun now for 2021 is the only way to go.
Katie Ghose is chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society.
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