Applications for the job of mayor of Amsterdam are to be reopened because not enough suitable candidates have come forward, the committee in charge of appointing the mayor has said.

In total, 29 people had applied for the job, including nine women, but only four of the candidates had worked full time in a public function.

The committee has now decided to reopen applications until June 2, in the hope of attracting more suitable candidates to choose from.

The official job description called for a mayor with lots of management experience, a sense of humour and someone who is able to express their vision clearly. They must also be open to society, keen to bridge the gap between politicians and the man in the street, and a quick thinker. Mayors are not chosen by direct vote in the Netherlands. The council draws up a shortlist based on open applications and then the king’s commissioner in Noord Holland will interview the candidates. The full council then debates the commissioner’s findings and picks its front-runner. if all goes according to plan, the new mayor will then be formally appointed by the king, and sworn in. The committee now hopes to have this process completed before the summer break.