What you need to know as Croydon heads into mayor's election
BBCWhen is the election for mayor of Croydon, and who is standing?
The election for mayor of Croydon will be held on Thursday 7 May between 07:00 and 22:00 BST.
Croydon Council will be elected at the same time.
They are:
- Rowenna Davis - Labour
- Ben Flook - Reform UK
- Ben Goldstone - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
- Richard Michael Howard - Liberal Democrats
- Jose Joseph - Independent
- Jason Perry - Conservatives
- Michael Pusey - Taking The Initiative Party
- Peter Underwood - Green Party
What happened in the 2022 election for mayor of Croydon?
The first mayor of Croydon was elected in 2022.
It was a close-fought contest, with the Conservatives beating Labour by 589 votes.
Jason Perry, the Conservative candidate, was elected as mayor of Croydon.
In October 2021, voters in Croydon approved the switch to a mayoral system in a referendum.
80.4% voted to replace the leader-and-cabinet system, where the leader of the council is chosen by the majority party or a coalition of parties.
What does an elected mayor do?
All 32 of London's boroughs have a mayor, but in most cases their duties are ceremonial.
They wear a chain and municipal robes - the position is largely honorary and they have little power.
An elected mayor by contrast has significant powers in their borough.
The mayor is the political leader of the council and they appoint a cabinet made up of elected councillors who are given specific portfolios such as finance, community safety and children's services.
They control local services such as housing, including local regeneration schemes and affordable housing targets, planning and waste collection.
Mayors are elected on their own manifesto and may be a member of a political party or an independent candidate.
The votes for the mayor and the council are held at the same time.
There is a separate mayor of London, currently Sir Sadiq Khan, responsible for police, fire and rescue, Transport for London and strategic matters that affect all 32 London boroughs.
How do I vote for mayor of Croydon?
The election will be held on Thursday 7 May between 07:00 and 22:00.
If you are not already on the electoral register, you can register to vote here.
Mayors are elected using the first-past-the post system.
You vote for one candidate and the candidate with the most votes becomes mayor.
You will be sent a polling card that indicates where you should vote.
You will not be able to vote without ID such as a passport, driving licence, a Freedom Pass or 60+ London Oyster Photocard - more information here.
You can vote by post or by proxy - more information here.
More information about voting eligibility can be found here.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
