Mayor of London

Sadiq Khan 2020

Ken Livingstone

Boris Johnson (cropped)

Sadiq Khan November 2016

Mayor of London is the executive of the Greater London Authority and one of the most high-profile political positions in the United Kingdom. The role was created in 2000 following a referendum in 1998, which established the Greater London Authority (GLA). The Mayor has a variety of responsibilities, including setting budgets, strategies, and policies for areas such as transportation, housing, and the environment within London. The Mayor also has powers over fire and emergency planning, and can influence health services and policing through strategic plans and budgets. The position is distinct from that of the Lord Mayor of London, who is the ceremonial head of the City of London Corporation.

Election and Term

The Mayor of London is elected using a Supplementary Vote system, where voters can choose a first and second preference of candidates. If no candidate receives a majority of the first preference votes, all but the top two candidates are eliminated, and second preferences are counted to determine the winner. The term of office is four years, with no limit on the number of terms an individual can serve.

Powers and Duties

The Mayor's powers and duties are extensive and cover key areas that affect the daily lives of Londoners. These include:

• Developing and implementing strategies for transportation, housing, economic development, and the environment.
• Setting the budget for the GLA and its subsidiary bodies, including Transport for London (TfL), the London Fire Brigade, and the Metropolitan Police Service.
• Appointing members to the boards of key agencies and organizations within London.
• Representing London at home and abroad, working to attract investment, tourism, and events to the city.

Office Holders

The first Mayor of London, elected in 2000, was Ken Livingstone, who served until 2008. He was succeeded by Boris Johnson, who held the office until 2016. The current Mayor, as of the last election, is Sadiq Khan, who represents the Labour Party.

Challenges and Criticisms

The Mayor of London faces numerous challenges, including managing the growth of the city, ensuring affordable housing, improving air quality, and maintaining public safety. Criticisms often focus on the effectiveness of the Mayor's policies and the use of budgetary resources.

Impact

The Mayor of London has a significant impact on the life of the city. Through strategic planning and policy implementation, the Mayor can influence economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the overall quality of life for Londoners.

See Also

• Greater London Authority
• London Assembly
• Transport for London
• Metropolitan Police Service
• London Fire Brigade