The establishment of the mayor of London and the London Assembly in 2000 was a milestone moment for English devolution. With a budget of over £20bn and responsibility for key functions – including transport, policing and economic development – the mayor of London is one of the most powerful and high-profile figures in British politics.

The UK government has gone on to devolve powers to other cities and regions across England and in some cases – such as the ‘trailblazer’ deals offered to Greater Manchester and the West Midlands – these powers have gone further than London’s deal.

So is it time to reopen London’s own devolution settlement? Is there a case for further devolution to the capital – and if so of which powers? How could the role of the mayor change in the future? And is wider reform of London’s institutions also needed?

Ahead of the May 2024 mayoral and assembly elections, the Institute for Government – in partnership with OnLondon.co.uk – was pleased to host this event to consider where devolution to London goes next.

We were joined by an expert panel, comprised of:

Alison Griffin, Chief Executive of London Councils

Alexander Jan, Chair of the Central District Alliance and Hatton Garden BIDs

Antonia Jennings, Chief Executive of Centre for London

Professor Tony Travers, Director of LSE London

The event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government.

We would like to thank the Central District Alliance BID, the London Heritage Quarter and Primera for kindly supporting this event.