Jonathan Carr-West is interviewed by Alex Iszatt about the future of local democracy. Do elected mayors offer greater accountability, greater local identity, and greater understanding of the issues that face local communities? 2025 saw a number of elections postponed as those areas were in discussion to develop plans for unitary councils or directly elected mayors.

Dr Jonathan Carr-West has been Chief Executive of LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) since February 2013 where he leads on all aspects of the think tank’s policy, membership and influencing work. With over 15 years’ experience, Jonathan is a leading national expert on local government transformation, local democracy and public services. Some of his particular interests are in participative democracy, the evolving nature of public services and devolution.