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The dynamics of depoliticisation in urban governance: Introducing a directly elected mayor

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  • David Sweeting

    (School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK)

  • Robin Hambleton

    (University of the West of England, Bristol, UK; Director of Urban Answers)

Abstract

Within the context of debates regarding depoliticisation, this article considers how the introduction of a directly elected mayor system of governance impacts on urban politics. Directly elected mayors are now a fundamental feature of many political systems. They have been widely introduced as a reform to improve processes of local democracy, enhance the effectiveness of governing practices and to offer a more potent form of city leadership. This article focuses on developments in England, by presenting the case of Bristol, a city epitomising many aspects of modern neo-liberalised urban development. Bristol adopted a mayoral system in 2012 and the article presents empirical data from before and after this reform pertaining to two frameworks to understand city leadership. We conclude that the move to mayoral governance, in Bristol in the 2012–2016 period, eroded the influence of party politics and led to the adoption of elements of a leadership style associated with a depoliticisation of urban politics in the city. Nevertheless, the analysis suggests that the mayoral model also provides significant space for the expansion of political agency on the part of the city leader, not least because power becomes concentrated in the mayoral position.

Suggested Citation

  • David Sweeting & Robin Hambleton, 2020. "The dynamics of depoliticisation in urban governance: Introducing a directly elected mayor," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 57(5), pages 1068-1086, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:57:y:2020:i:5:p:1068-1086
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098019827506
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Eckersley & Peter Timm-Arnold, 2014. "Directly-elected mayors and the austerity agenda: lessons from the German experience," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 347-354, September.
    2. Hellmut Wollmann, 2004. "Urban Leadership in German Local Politics: The Rise, Role and Performance of the Directly Elected (Chief Executive) Mayor," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 150-165, March.
    3. Robin Hambleton & David Sweeting, 2014. "Innovation in urban political leadership. Reflections on the introduction of a directly-elected mayor in Bristol, UK," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 315-322, September.
    4. Jacob Torfing & Christopher Ansell, 2017. "Strengthening political leadership and policy innovation through the expansion of collaborative forms of governance," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(1), pages 37-54, January.
    5. John Fenwick & Howard Elcock, 2014. "Elected Mayors: Leading Locally?," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(4), pages 581-599, July.
    6. Graham Sansom, 2014. "Debate: Rumblings Downunder-stronger mayors for Australia and New Zealand?," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 311-313, September.
    7. Richard Meegan & Patricia Kennett & Gerwyn Jones & Jacqui Croft, 2014. "Global economic crisis, austerity and neoliberal urban governance in England," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 7(1), pages 137-153.
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    Cited by:

    1. Malte Möck, 2021. "Patterns of Policy Networks at the Local Level in Germany," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 38(4), pages 454-477, July.

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