Support for elected mayors is growing among local councillors, according to research carried out by Trouw.

Trouw surveyed 2,655 local councillors four years ago and 16% said they supported elected mayors. That percentage has now grown to 25, the paper’s latest survey shows.

However, councillors are lagging behind parliament where a majority of MPs want elected mayors since the Christian Democrats came out in favour in February.

Party leader Sybrand Buma said at the time: ‘That shadowy system is on its last legs. We want an open election.’

At the moment, mayors are appointed by the crown based on the advice of the local council. That advice is always followed, meaning councillors choose their own mayor.