The Manchester Mandate
A comprehensive exploration of the Mayor of Greater Manchester, their powers, and the strategic direction of regional governance.
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The Mayor's Role
Strategic Leadership
The Mayor of Greater Manchester is a directly elected official responsible for the strategic governance of the region. This encompasses key areas such as health, transport, housing, strategic planning, waste management, policing, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and skills development.[1] The Mayor chairs the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), acting as the primary public figurehead and ambassador for the region.
Devolution and Authority
The establishment of the Mayoralty was a result of devolution agreements, negotiated between the UK government and local leaders. This role consolidates significant powers, including those previously held by the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner. The Mayor works in conjunction with the ten district council leaders who form the GMCA's cabinet, shaping policy and strategic direction for the conurbation.
Electoral Mandate
The office was created following the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016. Tony Lloyd served as the interim Mayor from May 2015. The inaugural election was held on May 4, 2017, with Andy Burnham elected as the first directly elected Mayor. Burnham has since been re-elected, securing a second term in May 2021 and a third in May 2024, underscoring a consistent electoral mandate for the role.
Historical Context
Regional Governance Evolution
Greater Manchester operates as a combined authority, a structure formed by its ten constituent local government districts. This framework facilitates collaborative strategic planning and service delivery. Prior to the establishment of the directly elected Mayor, regional leadership was often exercised through the Chair of the GMCA. Earlier proposals for directly elected mayors at the borough level (e.g., Bury in 2008) and city level (e.g., Manchester in 2012) were rejected by local electorates.
The Devolution Agenda
The concept of a directly elected Mayor for Greater Manchester gained momentum following announcements by then-Chancellor George Osborne in November 2014. This initiative was part of a broader government agenda to devolve powers and responsibilities from central government to regional bodies, aiming to foster local economic growth and tailored public service delivery. The creation of the mayoral office required specific primary legislation to enable its establishment and define its powers.
Framework of Authority
Mayor and Cabinet
Unlike the scrutiny model in Greater London, the Mayor of Greater Manchester is an integral member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, sitting alongside the leaders of the ten metropolitan boroughs. These council leaders constitute the Mayor's cabinet, each assigned specific portfolio responsibilities. This structure ensures that mayoral decisions are informed by and accountable to the collective leadership of the constituent districts.
Checks and Balances
The governance model incorporates checks and balances to ensure collaborative decision-making. The Mayor's proposals can be subject to a veto if a majority of the GMCA members vote against them. Furthermore, the spatial planning strategy, a critical mayoral responsibility, requires unanimous approval from the Mayor's cabinet. This ensures that major strategic decisions have broad consensus across the region's local authorities.
Key Responsibilities
Planning and Housing
The Mayor is responsible for developing a region-wide spatial development strategy, which requires unanimous cabinet approval. They can initiate compulsory purchase orders and establish Mayoral Development Corporations, subject to agreement from the relevant district councils. In housing, the Mayor oversees the £300 million Greater Manchester Housing Investment Fund, aiming to deliver 15,000 new homes, and manages a database of public sector land to optimize its use for housing development.
Policing and Fire
The Mayor assumes the statutory duties of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, overseeing the region's policing strategy and budget. Additionally, the Mayor holds responsibility for the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Authority, including setting budgets and making strategic decisions for fire and rescue services across the ten boroughs.
Waste and Skills
Administration of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, the largest such authority in the UK, falls under the Mayor's purview. In terms of skills, the Mayor controls the Apprenticeship and adult skills budget, with powers to explore the devolution of 16-19 education funding. The GMCA also co-commissions regional unemployment and back-to-work programs with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Justice and Health
Devolved criminal justice powers enable the Mayor to influence interventions for offenders and coordinate crime prevention services. This includes commissioning offender management services, rehabilitation programs, and youth justice initiatives. The Mayor also oversees the £6 billion Health and Social Care budget for Greater Manchester, working with local clinical commissioning groups to set priorities and direct spending.
Transport Integration
The Mayor holds significant influence over transport policy and infrastructure within Greater Manchester. Responsibilities include road management, bus services (with powers to reform the market under the Bus Services Act 2017), the Metrolink tram system, and cycling initiatives. While the regional rail network is franchised by the UK government, the Mayor has input via Transport for the North and is responsible for creating the Local Transport Plan, which requires a two-thirds majority ratification from the GMCA.
Mayoral Office Holders
Mayoral Succession
The office of Mayor of Greater Manchester has been held by two individuals since its inception:
| Name | Term of Office | Elected | Political Party | Previous Roles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Lloyd Interim Mayor |
|
29 May 2015 – 8 May 2017 | — | Labour | MP for Stretford & Manchester Central; Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner |
| Andy Burnham | 
|
8 May 2017 – Present | 2017, 2021, 2024 | Labour and Co-operative | MP for Leigh; Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Secretary of State for Health |
Deputy Mayoral Roles
Cabinet Deputies
The Mayor appoints Deputy Mayors to oversee specific policy areas and support the mayoral agenda. These roles are crucial for the effective functioning of the GMCA's cabinet structure.
| Name | Portrait | Term of Office | Political Party | Concurrent Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Leese | 
|
8 May 2017 – 8 December 2021 | Labour | Leader of Manchester City Council (1996–2021) |
| Paul Dennett | .jpg)
|
8 December 2021 – Present | Labour | Mayor of Salford (2016–Present) |
Safer Communities
A dedicated Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities focuses on critical areas of public safety and social well-being.
| Name | Portrait | Term of Office | Political Party | Previous Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverley Hughes | 
|
8 May 2017 – 9 January 2023 | Labour | MP for Stretford and Urmston (1997–2010) |
| Kate Green | 
|
9 January 2023 – Present | Labour | MP for Stretford and Urmston (2010–2022) |
Key Milestones
Evolution of the Mayoralty
The establishment and evolution of the Mayor of Greater Manchester office represent significant steps in the region's journey towards greater autonomy and strategic control. Key moments include:
- November 2014: Announcement of plans for a directly elected Mayor for Greater Manchester by Chancellor George Osborne.
- May 2015: Tony Lloyd appointed as the interim Mayor.
- May 2017: First mayoral election held; Andy Burnham elected as the first directly elected Mayor.
- May 2021: Andy Burnham re-elected for a second term.
- May 2024: Andy Burnham re-elected for a third term.
The office has consolidated powers over transport, housing, planning, and public services, reflecting the ongoing process of devolution in the UK.
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References
References
- Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, s 107A(5)
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current policies, appointments, or operational details. It is not a substitute for official government communications or documentation.
This is not political or governmental advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a basis for making decisions related to public policy, governance, or political engagement. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.