Directly Elected Mayors: Are they appropriate?
Author: eGov Monitor - Jun 10, 2009
The debate is ‘not over’ regarding the benefits of Directly Elected Mayors says a new publication by Localis, the local government and localist think tank
In this series of essays from key commentators, the debate ranges over a number of topics and attempts to find answers to questions such as: Do Mayors improve voter turnout? Are they a more effective form of governance? Are they more effective than other types of organisation?
Anthony Browne argues that the example of London shows that a Mayoral system can thrive, and is a vital part of coherence in local decision making and providing accountability.
Cllr Richard Kemp says “I want evidence” that Mayors succeed, arguing that London cannot be considered an example due to it being a special case. He goes on to ask a series of questions that need answering before Directly Elected Mayors should be considered a serious proposition.
Steve Malanga showed how the success of Mayors has varied within the U.S., but that the crucial point is that power is given to the people to decide. He explains how the powers of the Mayor may vary from place to place, but as Anthony Browne notes this “could be a good driver for improvement and the evolution of the Mayoral system”.
Whilst all three contributors argue a different standpoint, there is a degree of consensus. Richard Kemp is ultimately not unwilling to countenance the idea of Mayors becoming a greater reality, but he wants answers. It is now up to London and other places to provide them.
Related Pages
Unions to consider 1% pay offer to council staff
PluggedIN: Can't get no satisfaction meeting residents' expectations?
Department of Health gives self-improvement drive £500k boost
Could the Age of Metro Mayors be upon us?
The jury’s out on local transport bodies, says localist think-tank
PluggedIN: Can't get no satisfaction meeting residents' expectations?
by Alex Thomson, in the MJ
Top tips: lessons from the community budget pilots
by Sarah Marsh, the Guardian
Snub for localism
by Jonathan Werran, the MJ
Live discussion: lessons from the community budget pilots
by Sarah Marsh, the Guardian
Funding Britain's Future Needs
Posted in Planning, Housing and Economic Development
The Road to Growth
Posted in Planning, Housing and Economic Development
Counties: Driving Economic Growth
Posted in Planning, Housing and Economic Development
Local Opportunity, National Benefit
Posted in Democracy and Devolution
Localis Conference Opportunities 2013
[Sep 23, 2013]
Localis at LGA Conference 2013
[Jul 2, 2013]
Roundtable: Local government's role in health and public health
[May 16, 2013]
The Road to EUtopia? Britain and the EU after the Bloomberg Speech
[Mar 14, 2013]
- "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
- "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
- "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
