London Assembly

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London Assembly composition

London Assembly is a unicameral legislative body that forms part of the Greater London Authority (GLA), which is responsible for the strategic administration of Greater London. Established in 2000, the Assembly's main role is to scrutinize the activities of the Mayor of London, holding them to account by examining decisions and actions taken. The Assembly is also tasked with investigating issues of importance to Londoners, publishing its findings and recommendations to address these issues.

Structure and Membership

The London Assembly consists of 25 members, elected every four years using a mixed electoral system. This system comprises both constituency elections, with 14 members elected from geographical constituencies across London, and a proportional representation system, which elects 11 additional members from a London-wide list. This ensures that the overall composition of the Assembly reflects the proportion of votes received by each political party.

Powers and Functions

The primary function of the London Assembly is to oversee the work of the Mayor of London. It has the power to amend the Mayor's budget proposals (with a two-thirds majority) and to reject the Mayor's strategies, although the Mayor can override this rejection with a simple majority. The Assembly examines the Mayor's actions and decisions through regular question sessions, and its committees can investigate specific issues related to London's governance.

The Assembly does not have executive powers, which are vested in the Mayor. Its role is primarily advisory and scrutinizing, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in the Mayor's office.

Committees

The London Assembly operates through a series of committees that focus on various aspects of London's governance, including: - Economy Committee - Environment Committee - Health Committee - Housing Committee - Transport Committee

These committees gather evidence, question witnesses, and produce reports on different issues affecting London, from air quality and public transport to housing and public health.

Location

The London Assembly meets in the City Hall, located near Tower Bridge on the south bank of the River Thames. City Hall is part of the More London development and serves as the headquarters of both the London Assembly and the Mayor of London.

Impact and Criticism

The London Assembly has been praised for providing a platform for accountability and transparency in the governance of London. However, it has also faced criticism for its limited powers, particularly its inability to enforce its recommendations on the Mayor or to directly influence legislation.

See Also

- Greater London Authority - Mayor of London - City Hall, London - Unicameralism - Proportional representation

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