The proposed London major will have little power, according to a columnist in The Times.
The author claims US mayors can make a difference. They have powers to hire and fire key officials, to veto council motions and to administer budgets with little interference from city councils.
But the Labour government’s proposals give an elected assembly the right to amend the mayor’s budget, approve appointments and oversee agencies such as the proposed London Transport Authority. The author, Tim Hames, says the mayor will have powers that are “compromised” from the start.
- The Times 12/01/98 page 18
