Devolution and its impact Flashcards
Devolution in England: Elected mayors background
Blair gov established elected mayor in London in 2000
Gov tried to extend this by creating elected regional assemblies
Idea failed to win support
What happened in the elected regional assembly referendums?
Only one took place in the North-East
Heavily defeated by 78% “no” in 2004
How did the coalition gov attempt to reintroduce English devolution?
“Metro mayors”
12 cities held referenda
Leicester and Liverpool established mayors
Bristol elected its first mayor in 2012 (in 2022 voted to replace with committee system, about 59% voted for committee system, mayor position will end in 2024)
Other 9 rejected mayors
What responsibilities do metro mayors have?
Vary, but include developing economic growth strategy, making policy on housing, skills and transport
Evidence that devolution has been a success?
+ Has not lead to the break-up of the UK
+ Devolved assemblies are very popular in the regions and there are no main parties suggesting it should be overturned
+ Welsh interest in devolution has increase, as has their demand for greater powers for their Assembly
+ Electored mayors have led to greater regional identity in England
Evidence that devolution has been a failure?
- Unresolved West Lothian question
- Interest in devolved assemblies is low, as shown by turnout
- Scottish desire for independence has increased dramatically since the arrival of the Scottish Parliament
