§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many towns and392W cities have elected mayors; what the turnout was in each election; and if he will make a statement on the powers of elected mayors. [52152]
§ Dr. WhiteheadTo date, only London has a directly elected mayor, first elected in May 2000 with a turnout of 34.4 per cent. The mayor has wide powers with regard to setting the strategic direction for London and in particular with regards to transport, economic development and regeneration.
Referendum results have supported the introduction of directly elected executive mayors in eight English local authorities and on 2 May 2002 there will be a further five mayoral referendums. Of those eight local authorities, seven are holding their first mayoral election on 2 May 2002 and one on 17 October 2002. These executive mayors will lead their councils and, to the extent each local authority's constitution provides, will be in charge of their council's services.