Daniel Mouawad:
One for all

Globalisation is changing the nature of economic geography. Increasingly, it is cities and their surrounding areas, rather than nation states, which compete for capital and human talent.

Key sectors of the economy, such as the financial and professional sector, already cluster in particular areas and their continued success depends on our ability to manage our conurbations as high productivity knowledge economies.

Manchester is the UK's second city for financial and professional services, with an economy worth £47bn. With such an incredible profile, the city region would certainly benefit from a leading figurehead to oversee the strategic growth plan.

Managing this new environment depends not just on getting the right framework for economic policy, labour market and major infratrustucture projects, but crucially on solid governance mechanisms.

Evidence from international studies, including those recently published by the Institute for Public Policy Research, have shown that directly elected mayors provide greater political accountability and clearly defined executive responsibility. There is also proof of a wholesale boost in economic performance.

Currently, to tackle strategic issues beyond their respective boundaries, local authorities in Greater Manchester collaborate. The most creative use of existing powers to influence and promote the general wellbeing of our economy appear in the form of multi area agreements, delivered under the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.

Yet, despite the current level of collaboration, there remains in several quarters, a distinct desire to have something more decisive and significant to control this growing economic powerhouse - a mayor for Greater Manchester.

The mayoral model already works for London. Under this system, and regardless of the merit of the decisions, London has attracted the 2012 Olympics, introduced the congestion charge, given Crossrail the green light and driven through the introduction of smart ticketing through the Oyster card.

The underlying reason why London works is that the Mayor of London leads and co-ordinates the integration of strategic issues across a number of substantial policy areas - such as the economy, spatial planning and transport - precisely what Manchester needs.

Crucially, its system of governance maintains a direct electoral mandate which has a high level of public and business legibility.

Manchester's economy is in need of governance - devolved power and resources mixed with strategic integration. A mayor would certainly provide the impetus to ensure the city region develops its credentials as an international city and realizes its significant economic growth potential.

A directly elected mayor accountable for citywide strategies and development, providing clear leadership would certainly get my vote.

The call has since had backing from the regional business community (66% of whom voted in favour of a mayor for the city region in a press poll). The suggestion has also been backed by the director of the Government Office for the North West and the chairman of England's Local Government Association.

The issue is clearly high on the regional and national agenda with the Government expected to make announcements on directly-elected mayors over the summer and for these to feature in the emerging local government white paper.