The Mayor of London

London is a big city. Its size means that some decisions about services and the capital’s development need to be taken with a city-wide view. This is the role of the Mayor.

People Walking

What does the Mayor do?

The Mayor’s responsibilities cover a wide range of areas, from transport and policing to arts and the environment.

More about what the Mayor does


People Running

How do I vote for the Mayor?

When you vote for the Mayor, you cast votes for your first and second choice candidates.

Find out how to vote for the Mayor


A photograph of City Hall with Tower Bridge in the background

How do I stand for election for the Mayor of London?

If you are interested in running for London's top job, you will need to know 10 people in each borough and have £10,000 for a deposit.

All you need to know about standing for Mayor of London


A photograph looking down through the stairwell in City Hall

History of the Mayor of London

The role of Mayor of London was created in 2000 and was the first directly elected mayor in the UK. Until then, London had no regional government since 1986.

More about the history of the Mayor



Did you know?

The Mayor of London has the biggest personal mandate of any European politician, except the presidents of France and Portugal.

Just under 2 million Londoners voted in the 2004 Mayoral election, a turnout of 37%.

The £10,000 deposit for standing for Mayor is the biggest in British elections.

A street in the City of London
London Election on 1 May 2008