The campaign for an elected Mayor for Cardiff will fail because it has been swamped by coverage of bigger issues, says the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government – Janet Finch-Saunders.

Mrs Finch-Saunders says that coverage of issues like Brexit has relegated the campaign for a Cardiff Mayor, and said that the campaign’s positive vision “hasn’t necessarily shone through”.

She said:

"I believe that elected mayors could play a hugely beneficial role as local champions, but the people of Cardiff look set to reject the campaign.

"As Conservatives we want to see power placed firmly in the hands of local communities, and we have to accept their decision on this issue.

"I would have liked to have seen a bit more dynamism and energy in keeping the issue in the public’s gaze. You have to be willing to knock on every door and get out there and sell people a positive vision but that hasn’t necessarily shone through.

"Instead, after an initial flurry of media interest the profile of the campaign has been swamped by coverage of other issues like Brexit. It does feel like a missed opportunity."