Landmark Conference on Devolved Mayoral Scrutiny Set to Take Place in London
A landmark conference hosted by the London Assembly in collaboration with the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny will explore the future of devolved Mayoral scrutiny. Scheduled for 27 November 2025, this event marks the Assembly’s 25th anniversary and will take place at City Hall in London.
Exploring the Evolution of Mayoral Powers
As the UK Government implements significant reforms regarding English Devolution, new and enhanced Mayoral systems are emerging across the country. This one-day conference aims to provide a platform for reflection on the experiences of Mayoral scrutiny and the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The event will attract scrutiny professionals, including elected officials and practitioners from across England. Attendees will also include representatives from government, academia, and civil society, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing issues of accountability and governance.
Key Speakers and Topics
Among the notable speakers at the conference are Len Duvall OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly; Rt Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH; Nik Johnson, former Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; and Lord Evans of Guisborough, former Assembly Member and Deputy Mayor. Each speaker is expected to contribute valuable insights into the workings of Mayoral governance.
The conference will feature panel discussions and workshops on several key topics, including:
- Current UK Government reforms impacting devolved Mayoral scrutiny.
- The role of elected representatives in financial governance and auditing processes.
- The potential for Local Public Accounts Committees to serve as a model for future Mayoral accountability.
Significance of Mayoral Scrutiny
Len Duvall OBE AM highlighted the critical role of the London Assembly, stating that it has served as a vital check on the UK’s most powerful elected politician and the management of a budget exceeding £20 billion. He emphasized that as Mayoral powers expand throughout the UK, the conference will facilitate discussions on evolving scrutiny practices.
Duvall posed several pertinent questions for discussion: How can powerful Mayors be held accountable? Is there scope for enhancing scrutiny mechanisms nationwide? What challenges have surfaced in devolved regions? How can the public ensure that their finances are being used effectively?
These queries aim to spur an in-depth dialogue among experts in the field, making the conference not just a historical reflection but a forward-thinking initiative aimed at fostering accountability.
Event Details
The conference is set to occur on Thursday, 27 November 2025, from 11 am to 5 pm at London’s Living Room in City Hall, located at Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE. Media representatives are invited to attend with prior arrangements.
For ongoing updates, follow the London Assembly on Twitter: @LondonAssembly.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/assembly-hosts-discussion-debate-future-mayoral-scrutiny-uk
