Local politicians still white, male and over 55

22 Nov 07
Candidates standing for local elections are still overwhelmingly white, male and over 55, according to a new survey by the Improvement and Development Agency.

23 November 2007

Candidates standing for local elections are still overwhelmingly white, male and over 55, according to a new survey by the Improvement and Development Agency.

Women candidates are outnumbered two to one by men and the proportion of women councillors on most local authorities is static or decreasing, according to the survey, published on November 15.

But the recruitment crisis among ethnic groups is even more critical. Overall, almost 89% of respondents described their ethnicity as 'British white' and a further 9% classified themselves as 'other white'. Just 2.5% use an alternative label to describe their ethnic background.

The findings of the report were taken from a postal survey of 2,848 candidates following May's local elections. They make depressing reading for councils striving to broaden their representation, especially among women, young people and black and Asian populations.

Judi Billing, head of the National Leadership Programme at the IDA, said: 'The research shows that, rather than not being elected, women, younger people and ethnic groups are not putting themselves forward for election. This has serious implications.'

Local and national government had to work harder to promote the work of councils.

But the recruitment crisis has no simple answers, according to those surveyed.

Respondents rejected the proposal of positive discrimination to attract a more diverse range of councillors.

PFnov2007

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