What is the London Mayoral Election?
The role of Mayor of London was created in 2000 as the first directly elected position of its kind. The work of the Mayor is scrutinised by the London Assembly, a 25-member elected body and part of the Greater London Authority – the devolved governance body of London.
What is the role of the Mayor?
The Mayor of London’s overarching duty is to promote economic, social, and environmental improvements in London.
Transport (TFL)
Police & Crime
Economic Growth
Housing
Culture
Environment
More specifically, the Mayor sets out policies and plans for London covering transport, crime and policing, economic development, housing, and environmental issues such as air quality. The Mayor has a number of other duties related to culture, including responsibility for Trafalgar and Parliament Square.
How is the Mayor Funded?
The Mayor has a £17 billion annual budget, which is financed through a combination of central government grants, transport fares and other charges, such as business rates and council tax.
Who can vote in the Mayoral Election?
To vote, you must be 18 or over on the day of the election, be a British, Irish, Commonwealth or EU citizen, be resident at an address in Greater London, and not legally excluded from voting. No laws have been changed to prevent EU citizens from voting in London elections and so they are still eligible to vote. But remember, your vote won’t count unless you’re registered.
Why is voting in this election important?
Voter turnout in regional elections is traditionally lower than national elections. But, if you’re a Londoner, the outcome of the Mayoral election has a direct bearing on your local area – your commute to work, funding for community facilities, and how many police are on the street.
