A Lancashire mayor: damaging for democracy or better than status quo?

Two parties condemned the concept of a directly-elected mayor for the county - with one of them also promising a referendum on the issue if their party wins power at the county elections.

- 

The Green Party and Reform UK were united in their assessment that an Andy Burnham-style figurehead was not good for democracy.

In a display of the extent of the political split over what has long been a controversial subject in the county, Labour's opposition group leader said he was "a convert" to the idea, while the Liberal Democrats offered only lukewarm support and the ruling Tories sat firmly on the fence.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced plans for the whole of the North of England to have a mayor by May next year.

Gina Dowding (Green) said her personal view was that the role was "not a good idea".

"Most people are assuming it means devolving power [and] resources to a significant extent. Actually, what it really feels like is...national government making life easier for themselves to impose their agenda [on] local areas.