Jeremy Clarkson: Thames Valley's Mayor Candidate?

Jeremy Clarksons name has been floated as a potential candidate to become the first elected mayor of the Thames Valley, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.

The former Top Gear presenter and Clarksons Farm star has been discussed in council circles as a high-profile figurehead. It is not known whether Mr Clarkson would be interested and there is no suggestion he has been formally approached; the LDRS has contacted his representatives for comment.

Council leaders across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon formally submitted plans to the Government on Monday to create a new Thames Valley mayoral authority.

The proposed body would have greater influence over transport, housing, jobs and skills but would not replace existing councils such as Bracknell Forest and Wokingham, which would keep day-to-day services while the regional authority handled larger strategic issues.

Supporters say a recognisable mayor could raise the regions profile and unlock funding. Councillor Mark Ashwell said: "I do think a well-known individual would attract attention,"

and added: "They wouldn't necessarily have to be bogged down in the administration side of things, chairing meetings etc, but as a public figure for the region I think a high-profile mayor could be good. As long as he is up for it of course!"

Councillor Tony Virgo backed the idea of a high-profile figure and said Mr Clarkson "could be an excellent choice".

Wokingham leader Stephen Conway wrote in his Bracknell News column: "A Mayoral Strategic Authority is the best means available to us to have a regional voice at national level."

He added: "Such a voice is needed for Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley, as there is a very real danger that our region's role as a powerhouse of the UK economy is taken for granted by central government."

Council leaders have submitted their joint proposal and are now waiting to hear whether ministers will approve and fund the new authority. No date has yet been announced for a decision.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter