The Mayor's Role

The role of Elected Mayor is very different from the traditional one of a civic figure.

Whilst the full Council is responsible for the broad Policy Framework and setting the Council's budget, the Elected Mayor does have the responsibility for determining and delivering a wide range of policies and priorities. He must also ensure that strategically, all Council services are delivered effectively and efficiently. This requires him to fulfil an executive decision making role rather than a ceremonial one.

To help him in this role, the Mayor has appointed an Executive with seven members. They are each responsible for specific council services - portfolios include children, families & learning, regeneration & economic development and social care.

The Mayor also plays a key role in bringing together the different agencies working for a better town. For example he will have frequent discussions with the Chief Constable on how the Council and Police can best tackle crime and disorder. He will meet industrialists and business leaders encouraging them to invest in Middlesbrough. And, of course, he meets scores of community and voluntary groups and organisations encouraging them to develop links with the Council and continue to do their excellent work for the town.

The Mayor is also a real ambassador for Middlesbrough, helping to promote it locally, regionally and nationally, and change perceptions about the town, its people and the quality of life it can offer.