The London mayoral election has got a lot of people in the capital talking about politics again. It is partly, of course, the fact that the battle for Britain’s most important directly elected political position is being contested by two celebrity candidates—Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson—in a very tight race.
But there is more at stake here than political drama. This election matters for the people of London. True, the Greater London Authority Act of 1999 handed few direct powers to the mayor. The city leader is able to exercise strategic and co-ordinating powers over only transport, policing and economic development. Nonetheless, Livingstone has proved adept at using these powers and his ability to “speak for London” to develop some innovative policies, notably the congestion charge. He has, moreover, seen his powers in the field of housing and planning strengthened.
Beyond London, it is clear that there is something about elected mayors which generates political energy and a sense of connection. As a result of their direct election, mayors are much better known than council leaders, and are in a position to promote greater political accountability.
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