What is a metro mayor?

A metro mayor is a directly elected mayor who leads a group of councils working together across a city region in England. Examples include Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. They control powers and funding passed down from central government, usually covering transport, housing, skills and economic growth.

Metro mayors lead combined authorities, now being renamed strategic authorities, which bring neighbouring councils together. The first six were elected in May 2017. Their powers come from devolution deals agreed with the government. Each area's deal is different, so some mayors have far more powers than others. Mayors work with the leaders of their member councils, who sit on the authority's board.

Common powers include running bus networks, planning major transport, adult skills funding, strategic housing and regeneration. Some mayors, such as in Greater Manchester, also act as police and crime commissioner. The Mayor of London has a similar role but works with the separately elected London Assembly. Mayors can also raise money through a small extra charge on council tax, called a mayoral precept, and some can levy business rate supplements.

Metro mayors are elected every four years. Supporters say they give regions a visible leader who can argue for investment, and that local decisions are better than ones made in Whitehall. Critics say the system is patchy and confusing, adds another layer of politics and lacks strong scrutiny. The government plans to extend mayors across more of England.