There is still not enough evidence to prove directly-elected mayors provide any benefits to large cities, a local government think-tank debate has concluded. Three local government experts were invited by Localis to write an essay on the following question: Are they appropriate for all major UK cities? The three agreed on one thing – there were still questions to be answered. The mayor of London's policy director, Anthony Browne argued that London showed a mayoral system could thrive, and was a vital part of coherence in local decision-making. But leader of the LGA's Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Richard Kemp, wanted evidence that mayors succeeded, arguing that London could not be considered an example due to it being a special case. In his essay, Steve Malanga of City Journal, showed how the success of mayors varied within the US, but the crucial point was that power was given to the people to decide. To see compiled essays, go to http://www.localis. org.uk/images/articles/localis%20mayors%20FINAL.pdf.
