The leadership of place and people in the new English combined authorities

Abstract

This paper explores the theory and early practice of elected political leadership in the first six English mayoral combined authorities (CAs). It draws on the history of local government in England, policy documentation, and theory on leadership, place and institutional formation to analyse the early leadership of the metro-mayors from the perspective of the leadership of place. It suggests that public policy and the literature on political leadership could usefully recognise the power of place in the exercise of leadership. The paper concludes by raising questions around the development of CAs and their mayors within the wider governance landscape.