00:01The Mayor of London is the elected leader of the Greater London Authority, known as City Hall.
00:07The role was created in 2000, after London's local government was reorganised,
00:11and gives the Mayor responsibility for strategic issues across the capital area.
00:16The Mayor can set London-wide strategies, including plans for transport, housing, policing and economic growth.
00:23The Mayor also oversees Transport for London, which runs services such as the underground, buses and some major roads.
00:29The role also includes environmental and planning.
00:32However, the Mayor cannot make every decision in London.
00:36Borough councils remain responsible for many local services, including schools, libraries and most social care.
00:42The Mayor also needs agreement from national government for some powers and changes that require new legal authority.
00:49The Mayor's main influence comes through setting priorities, funding projects and working with partners across the capital.
00:55Decisions can affect millions of residents, but the Mayor must work within limits set by laws and available budgets,
01:02rather than controlling every local issue.
01:04The role has also evolved since it was first introduced, with different Mayors using the powers available to them in
01:10different ways.
01:11Some have focused on major transport projects and infrastructure,
01:15while others have placed greater emphasis on housing, climate change or tackling inequality.
01:20The balance between City Hall, borough councils and national government continues to shape how decisions are made across London.
