Manchester Mayor's Call for Metro Mayors in Scotland

Scottish cities are facing challenges in asserting their influence at both Holyrood and Westminster due to the absence of directly elected regional mayors, according to Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester. During a recent visit to Edinburgh, Burnham emphasized that cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow could benefit from having a recognizable figurehead to amplify their voices in political discussions. Burnham, accompanied by Steve Rotheram, the mayor of the Liverpool city region, met with Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney to discuss the potential advantages of adopting a mayoral system in Scotland. He expressed concern that without such leadership, Scottish cities may be perceived as "disempowered" and unable to effectively advocate for their needs and interests. Highlighting the similarities between Glasgow and other major cities like Liverpool and Manchester, Burnham pointed out that Glasgow shares a rich industrial heritage and a working-class identity. He argued that these commonalities should empower Scottish cities to demand a more significant role in regional governance. The call for elected mayors reflects a growing sentiment among some Scottish leaders that a more structured leadership model could enhance local governance and representation. As discussions continue, the potential for reform in Scotland's political landscape remains a topic of interest for both local and national stakeholders.