London Mayor and Assembly

What does it do?

The Mayor of London and the London Assembly represent people living in the 32 boroughs of Greater London, and the City of London.

The Mayor of London has the power to make decisions in the following areas affecting London:

• arts and culture
• economic development
• the environment
• fire and safety
• healthy living
• policing
• transport
• urban regeneration

The London Assembly keeps a check on what the Mayor is doing. It also investigates issues of importance to Londoners, publishes its findings and recommendations, and makes proposals to the Mayor.

How is it made up?

The Mayor of London and the London Assembly make up the Greater London Authority (GLA), which is a unique form of government for London. It has around 600 staff to help the Mayor and Assembly in their duties.

The London Assembly has 25 Assembly Members . Fourteen of these represent constituencies, which are made up of two or more London boroughs. The other 11 members represent London as a whole.

How are they elected?

When you vote in London Mayor and Assembly elections, you have up to four votes. For each vote, you mark a single cross (X) in the box next to the name of the candidate or party you want to vote for.

London Mayor Election

1. A first choice for Mayor of London
2. A second choice for Mayor of London.

You do not have to make your second choice vote, but you must vote for your first choice or your ballot paper will not be counted.

London Assembly election

1. One vote for a constituency member of the London Assembly
2. One vote for a London-wide member of the London Assembly.

Elections for the London Mayor and Assembly take place every four years. The next elections are scheduled to take place in 2008.

Where can I find out more?

Website for the Mayor of London, London Assembly and Greater London Authority.