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How democratically elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times

  • Sarah A Ayres*
  • , Jack Newman
  • , Mark Sandford
  • , Andrew Barnfield
  • , Geoff Bates
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore how democratically elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times. Drawing on 132 interviews with decision makers in England, this article uses the case of healthy urban development to explore the role of elected mayors in mission delivery. Findings show that mayors can be figureheads for a place, work directly towards national missions, implement cross-cutting programmes, convene partnerships and lead local innovations with new evidence and data. However, more central government support is needed with investment in capacity, a broader range of powers and greater freedom from central targets and siloes.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2472014
Number of pages14
JournalRegional Studies
Volume59
Issue number1
Early online date28 Mar 2025
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Mar 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Research Groups and Themes

  • SPS Centre for Urban and Public Policy Research
  • SPS Governance and Public Policy Research Centre

Keywords

  • democratically elected mayors
  • place-based leadership
  • complexity
  • mission-oriented policy
  • health
  • evidence

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