This paper investigates the impact of minority representation in English local councils on immigrants’ naturalization rates between 2002 and 2020. Using a regression discontinuity design, we compare wards where minority candidates narrowly won or lost to majority candidates. Our findings indicate that the election of a minority councillor significantly increases the naturalization rate of immigrants by 2.3 percentage points, with Labour minority candidates having a stronger effect. Our findings support the role model effect over the critical mass theory, demonstrating stronger impacts in areas with lower minority population shares and less fractionalized communities. Single party majority at the council significantly enhances the ability to effect change, with Labour minority councillors prioritizing budget shifts toward education and social care. These results highlight the important role of political representation in promoting integration.
Presented by:
Sarah Schneider-Strawczynski (University of Exeter)
Date & time:
January 21, 2026 12:30 pm - January 21, 2026 1:30 pm
Venue:
Online
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