Facing up to the facts - stars outshine politicians (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Facing up to the facts - David Beckham and Simon Cowell outshine politicians

6:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

SORRY Nick and Richard, but we just don’t know who you are.

That was the consensus after The Standard showed 50 people across Tendring pictures of various local leaders, as well as some celebrities, and asked them to name as many as they could.

The people of Harwich showed off a dazzling knowledge of the top celebrities. But they did not fare as well with the local leaders.

Not a single person recognised Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston.

It was a similar fate for the area’s European Parliament representative Richard Howitt, although one hairdresser from Back2Front did think she’d cut his hair before.

Tendring Council leader Peter Halliday was identified by five people, but only two people recognised council chairman Danny Mayzes.

Three people spotted Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin – but one person did question whether he was former Harwich Town Councillor Steven Henderson.

Of those asked in Harwich, 40 per cent spotted Harwich and Tendring councillor Ivan Henderson. 

Meanwhile 16 per cent did know Mayor of Harwich John Thurlow – although one person thought he was a character from Eastenders.

In stark contrast most people were able to reel off the names of most of the celebrities with ease.

Legendary footballer David Beckham was the most recognisable face on the list with only three people failing to name him.

Prime Minister David Cameron, aging rocker Rod Stewart and music mogul Simon Cowell finished just below Becks in the popularity chart.