Elected mayors: enhancing local democracy?
From Future of Local Services to the Public
Contents |
Summary
The power to elect local mayors was introduced with the Local Government Act 2000, currently there are 13 (including the London Mayor) elected mayors across England. Local people can petition their local authority for a referendum, and with 5,000 signatures local residents are given the opportunity to decide whether they would like a Mayor to hold political office. There have been 22 local referenda so far (as of April 2008). The mayors are responsible for the political leadership of their authority, their introduction, it was hoped, would enhance the democratic accoutability of local decision-making and re-invigorate local democracy.
Impacts
With poor turnouts at local elections and the challenge with the new Comprehensive Area Assessment to ensure that local people are consulted on the work of local public service providers to enhance their quality of life, some suggest that the introduction of Mayors would be an effective way to raise the profile of local decision-makers and reinvigorate local democracy. Michael Kenny and Guy Lodge of ippr, recently suggested that local areas be encouraged to hold mayoral elections through either a local day of referenda, or the widespread introduction of mayors in all urban local authority areas. If mayors were to be introduced on this scale it could change the traditional decision-making role of political parties, and the policy-making process in local authorities.
Research carried out for CLG by Gains et al identified the benefits of a facilitative leadership approach, whether that be by a Leader or Mayor, for the benefit of the development of 'place' and enhancing quality of life.
Currently, it is unclear whether there is a great difference between the leadership style of successful local mayors and successful Cabinet leaders. However, research from Gains et al (2007) reflects on the impact of leadership upon the performance of local government. This research identifies links between the satisfaction of residents with the work of an authority and the number of Executive freedoms enjoyed.
Relevance
This article is most relevant for local councillors, and officers involved in developing LAA and LSP partnership working.
Related links
March - May 2008 Kenny, M. & Lodge G. Mayors rule public policy research: London (journal article)
2007 Gains et al Does Leadership Matter http://www.elgnce.org.uk/docs/does_leadership_matter.pdf
