UK regional mayors

 

Directly elected regional mayors have become a novel innovation in how increasing swathes of England are governed, and a significant contest is underway in the West Midlands, particularly between Conservative Andy Street and Labour's Richard Parker.

Andy Street emphasizes his personal brand over his party affiliation, highlighting his commitment to putting the region first regardless of party politics. His opponent, Richard Parker, aims to overhaul the region's transport system by bringing buses under his control, citing the difficulties people face in accessing essential services due to inadequate transportation.

Other candidates in the mayoral race include Sunny Virk of the Liberal Democrats, Elaine Williams of Reform UK, Siobhan Harper-Nunes of the Greens, and independent candidate Akhmed Yakoob.

The introduction of directly elected mayors in England began in 2000 with London, and now, ten mayoral contests are set to take place across England in May. This expansion means that around half of England's population will have an elected mayor.

The role of mayors has grown over the past decade, with increasing power over various areas such as transport, skills, the local economy, and the environment. They collectively control substantial public spending, making them influential figures in regional governance.

While some may question the need for more politicians, the mayoral model has gained popularity and is supported by both the Conservatives and Labour. As a result, regions without directly elected mayors may see changes in the future.