What difference do directly elected mayors make? A panel discussion

Janke, Barbara; Harrison, Ben; Sweeting, David; Oliver, Thomas; Ayres, Sarah

Abstract

Thinking Futures festival discussion (part of ESRC Festival of Social Science), convened by the University of Bristol exploring the success of the Directly Elected Mayor model.

Panel Abstract:
Strengthening city leadership by introducing directly elected mayors is now firmly on the agenda in the UK. Several cities, including Bristol, Leicester, Liverpool, and London already have directly elected mayors. Manchester plans to introduce a ‘metro mayor’ in 2017, with the prospect of other cities to follow. Supporters claim that the mayoral model of governance can provide visible, accountable, and effective city leadership. Critics argue that the model can lead to an over centralisation of power, weakening the role of councillors, undermining confidence in local democracy.

Speaker details:
Chair: Sarah Ayres, University of Bristol
Speakers:
Baroness Barbara Janke, former Liberal Democrat leader of Bristol City Council, (8:52-16:05)
Ben Harrison, Centre for Cities (16:06:27:20),
Dr David Sweeting, University of Bristol (27:21-33:34), and
Dr Thom Oliver, University of West England (33:35-39:35)

Monday 9th November 2015 (6-8pm)
Held at the Watershed, 1 Canon's Road, Bristol BS1 5TX

Accessible via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/university-of-bristol/what-difference-do-directly-elected-mayors-make

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: Thinking Futures: What difference do directly elected mayors make?
• Start Date: Nov 9, 2015
• End Date: Nov 9, 2015
• Acceptance Date: Nov 9, 2015
• Publication Date: Nov 9, 2015
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: elected mayors, thinking futures, ESRC festival of social science, councillors, representation, scrutiny, leadership, Bristol, devolution, city deal
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/803445
• Publisher URL: https://soundcloud.com/university-of-bristol/what-difference-do-directly-elected-mayors-make
• Related Public URLs: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/policybristol/news/2015/thinking-futures-highlights.html
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : University of Bristol Thinking Futures (ESRC Festival of Social Science 2015); Corporate Creators : University of Bristol (Centre for Public Engagement & PolicyBristol)