Mayors call for more direct decision-making powers

Regional mayors across the UK have called for increased powers to make decisions directly, despite opposition from councils.

The current mayors are directly elected but share decision-making powers with their constituent councils, which together form the strategic authority. This has led to more local councils being run by opponents of their mayor.

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire CA since 2021, said that she is in "a different world" since the local election saw Reform UK take power in four of her five constituent authorities. She argued that the increased political diversity within her strategic authority could affect her ability to make crucial decisions.

South Yorkshire CA mayor Oliver Coppard also suggested introducing a 'mayoral direction' similar to ministerial directions, a process ministers can use to override recommendations of civil servants.