MattW wrote:I didn't realise city Mayors actually had any power. I thought it was largely a ceremonial function like the Lord Mayor we have in Cardiff who basically turns up to open buildings etc. Years ago the Mayor was effectively the top boss similar to a Chief Exec.
It depends on what model of local governance is in force.
In somewhere like Cardiff the mayor is effectively a ceremonial role. What matters is the leader of the council and the cabinet.
However, where there are elected mayors, those mayors have executive power. London is the obvious example (Police, Transport, and strategic Development, Planning, Transport, Housing and Environmental issues). But it also includes the new metro Mayors (Greater Manchester, West Midlands, Merseyside, West-of-England - i.e. Bristol). And a few specific local authorities (e.g. Doncaster, Tower Hamlets).
There what happens is the Mayor has executive authority and appoints a cabinet (or deputy mayors with specific responsibilities). In London, the "London Assembly" then acts as a legislature - a bit like parliament or the Assembly. There are votes and committees for scrutiny. In individual councils with mayors, the council acts sort of like the legislature - and again committees are drawn from councillors. In the metro areas, like Greater Manchester, the cabinet is effectively chosen for the mayor - its the heads of the individual councils (e.g. Manchester, Salford, Stockport, etc.). The mayor can make some decisions on his/her own, but other times needs agreement of the council heads.
If it all seems a bit complicated - it is. Its because we have no common system across the country. A hotch potch of different ways of doing things.
But I think there are benefits of elected, executive mayors. They are certainly much more high profile than council leaders. While that can lead to grandstanding it can also help the public hold politicians to account. People find it easier to connect with one individual than with a whole administration. It could help make local voting more distinct from national voting - its depressing how council votes are treated as opinion polls for national politics. It can also give the elected mayor additional convening power and impact. Other agencies and organisations pay more attention to one (wo)man with a direct mandate and a fixed term - than a council leader who could be ousted any minute.