How mayors changed politics down south

THE likelihood of a directly-elected Mayor in Edinburgh - or indeed anywhere in Scotland - appears slim.

In 2000, Labour's Local Government Act offered councils in England and Wales, but not Scotland, the chance to introduce directly elected mayors.

Ken Livingstone was first the first elected Mayor of London, from 2000 until 2008 when he was defeated by the flamboyant Boris Johnson.

During his eight years in charge, Mr Livingstone introduced the London congestion charge with the purpose of reducing traffic congestion in the centre of the city, which supporters claim has reduced congestion by 20 per cent. He also introduced the Oyster card smartcard ticketing system for London's public transport network in 2003.

His term as mayor ended on May 2008 when Mr Johnson took over. He has made changes such as banning the consumption of alcohol on the London transport network, as well as forcing the resignation of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis Ian Blair, hours after taking control of London's police authority.

In addition to London, 11 councils in England now have directly elected mayors.

Even if a similar act was introduced in Scotland, it would also need a successful referendum in the council area.

The nearest referendum was in the border authority of Berwick-upon-Tweed, in 2001, when 74 per cent rejected the idea.

Some elections were won by independents, including Stuart Drummond, who dressed in a monkey suit on a campaign of free bananas for schools and became Mayor of Hartlepool.

There has been some criticism over the perceived excessive power of directly elected mayors. Campaigns are now under way in Doncaster, Hartlepool, and Lewisham to hold referendums to abolish the posts.