ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the development of the new institutions of the Greater London Authority. It discusses the ways in which mayoral government works focusing, in particular, on relationships between the mayor and business interests. The chapter explains the contemporary roles of business in government and the bias towards business in decision-making in the new institutions of London government. It summarizes the key themes emerging at these different scales and explores explanations of the strong orientation of policy towards London as a world city and to the needs of business in maintaining the city’s competitive edge. The chapter also examines the nature of the new institutions of mayor and assembly and shows how the mayor has involved business groups in the government of London. It reviews issues of coordination and representation at sub-regional scale, looking in particular at the complex relationships between local governments, business and public–private partnerships in central London.
