Written by Charlie Daw
The Mayor of Greater Manchester is the directly elected leader of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The role was created in 2017 as part of a devolution agreement that gave Greater Manchester greater control over certain decisions and funding previously managed by central government.
The Mayor works alongside the leaders of the ten Greater Manchester councils to make decisions on issues that affect the region as a whole. The position does not replace local councils or their leaders, who remain responsible for delivering most local services within their own Boroughs.
What does the Mayor do?
The Mayor has responsibility for a range of strategic issues across Greater Manchester, including:
- Transport, including oversight of the Bee Network through Transport for Greater Manchester.
- Policing, by serving as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester.
- Fire and rescue services.
- Housing, regeneration and aspects of planning.
- Economic development and investment.
- Skills and employment programmes funded through devolved powers.
- Working with partners on priorities such as health improvement, community safety and environmental sustainability.
The Mayor also represents Greater Manchester when working with the UK Government, businesses, public services and other organisations.
The Mayor also represents Greater Manchester when working with the UK Government, businesses, public services and other organisations.
The Mayor is elected by people living in Greater Manchester every four years. Anyone registered to vote in one of the region’s ten boroughs can take part in the election. Once elected, the Mayor is responsible for setting strategic priorities within their areas of responsibility and overseeing how devolved funding is used.
Many decisions made by the Mayor are taken in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This means the Mayor works closely with the leaders of the ten local councils to develop regional strategies, approve investment and coordinate projects that benefit communities across Greater Manchester. Some decisions are made directly by the Mayor, while others require the agreement of the Combined Authority.
For voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, the Mayor’s priorities can influence regional funding programmes, commissioning opportunities and partnership initiatives. While individual councils continue to manage most local services, the Mayor helps shape wider strategies that can affect communities, organisations and public services across the whole of Greater Manchester.
What does the mayor of GM do?
The Mayor is responsible for developing long-term plans that help shape the future of Greater Manchester. This includes setting regional strategies for transport, housing, economic growth and public safety, as well as helping to secure investment from the UK Government and other partners. The aim is to coordinate work across the region where collaboration between the ten boroughs can achieve better outcomes than individual councils working alone.
The Mayor also acts as a public representative for Greater Manchester, promoting the region nationally and internationally. This can involve meeting with government departments, businesses, public sector organisations and community groups to advocate for investment, support regional priorities and encourage partnership working. While the Mayor provides strategic leadership, many policies and projects are delivered in partnership with local councils, public services and organisations across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.