The Mayor's Role
The Mayor is directly elected by people across South Yorkshire to lead the region. He is responsible for major regional priorities including transport, skills, housing and economic growth, and for policing and crime.
What does the Mayor do?
The Mayor leads South Yorkshire on major issues that are best tackled across the region, including transport, skills, housing, investment, infrastructure and economic growth. He exercises some powers directly and takes other decisions together with the leaders of South Yorkshire's four councils through the Mayoral Combined Authority.
The Mayor uses South Yorkshire's devolved powers and investment to support jobs and businesses, improve transport, enable new homes and infrastructure, and help people develop the skills they need.
The Mayor is responsible for policing and crime in South Yorkshire. He sets the region's Police and Crime Plan and policing priorities, commissions services for victims, works with partners to prevent crime and make communities safer, and holds the Chief Constable to account.
The Mayor also brings together councils, the NHS, police, businesses, universities, public services and communities to tackle challenges that no single organisation can solve alone.
One Mayor, four councils, one region
South Yorkshire has one regional Mayor and four councils.
The Mayor provides leadership on issues that cross council boundaries or benefit from action across South Yorkshire. Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils continue to lead and deliver local services in their areas.
Together, the Mayor and the four council leaders form the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board and take major decisions for the region.
How is the Mayor held to account?
The Mayor is ultimately held to account by voters through the election process. However, the MCA has two statutory committees that hold the Mayor and the MCA to account:
- Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Audit Standards and Risk Committee
These Committees examine the decisions and actions of the Mayor and the MCA, their plans and activities, the risks, value for money, and wider governance.
Police and Crime Panels will scrutinise the Mayor in respect of policing and crime responsibilities.
Additionally, the MCA is required by law to have three statutory officers whose duties include ensuring the lawful and effective operation of the MCA.
How long is the Mayor elected for?
Mayoral elections take place every four years. The current Mayor was elected in May 2024 and the next election is due in 2028.
Who is the current Mayor?
The current South Yorkshire Mayor is Oliver Coppard. He was elected in May 2024.