in partnership with Cardiff University
Cardiff and Swansea’s City Regions are seen as key to the successful economic future of Wales, but there are to be no elected mayors at their helm. In contrast there are currently 17 directly elected mayors in England, but none in Wales.
Proponents of elected mayors say they can raise the profile of a city and new powers being offered to cities in England make the role powerful and appealing, but critics claim they are costly and that their effectiveness varies. A recent petition failed to get enough votes to support a referendum on a Mayor for Cardiff.
Given the rise of the City Regions and the City Deals in Wales, is now the time to consider whether Wales’ City Regions should have elected mayors to support a new governance structure for the nation?
Confirmed speakers for this debate are:
Sion Barry, Business Editor, Wales Online and Western Mail (Chair)
Andrew Carter, Deputy Chief Executive, Centre for Cities
Simon Cook, former Deputy Mayor of Bristol
Julie Morgan, AM for Cardiff North
Professor Russell Deacon, Visiting Professor, University of South Wales
Agenda:
6.30pm – Registration and networking
7.00pm – Welcome from Auriol Miller, IWA Director
7.02pm – Introduction to debate and panellists from Chair
7.05pm – Chair opens discussion to panel
7.40pm – Q&A with audience
8.00pm – Closing of debate from Claire Sanders, Director of Communications & Marketing, Cardiff University
8.02pm – End of debate and networking drinks
9.00pm – Event ends
This is a free event, but places are limited so tickets must be booked in advance.
This event has been kindly supported by Eversheds-Sutherland