𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

There are 12 metro mayors across England – 11 are Labour and one is a Conservative but what do they actually do?

Metro mayors are directly-elected by citizens in their area and are chairs of their area’s combined authority. They oversee ‘mayoral combined authorities’ and the mayors have powers set out in devolution deals negotiated between the Government and local leaders.

Metro-mayors’ powers differ from directly elected mayors in local authorities. Their powers usually relate to the following factors: transport, skills provision, and acquiring and regenerating land.

However, these powers depend on the level of devolution deal agreed with the Government (this ranges from level one to level four).

What powers do they have and how are they funded?

Greater Manchester combined authority also has devolved powers and funding relating to criminal justice and health and social care.

Metro-mayors receive most of their funding from government grants. However, some also get money from council tax and business rates.

Those wishing to stand require a nomination paper signed by 100 local voters, including at least 10 from each constituent council. It is a necessity that candidates deliver their nomination papers by 4pm on the 19th day before the election (or 24 days before in London).

Candidates must also put down a deposit of £5,000, this rises to £10,000 if standing in London.

Ten metro-mayors faced re-election in 2024 and the remainde will find out their fate on May 1.