The Role of the Mayor
The word "mayor" derives from the comparative "major" of the Latin word "magnus" meaning "great".
In the olden days the Office of Mayor had very considerable authority, and carried with it executive powers over the finances and affairs of the Corporation. The Mayor carried out many of the duties later attached to the office of Town Clerk, and as well as presiding over the meetings of the Corporation, the Mayor also presided over the Bench of Magistrates as Chief Magistrate of the Borough Court.
The Mayor's position has most recently been laid down by the Local Government Act 1972.
This requires:
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That he or she shall be elected annually by the Council from among the Councillors
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His or her term of office is for one year, commencing at the Annual Meeting of Council
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During his or her term of office they shall continue to be a member of the Council
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The Mayor shall have precedence in all places in the district, but not so as to prejudicially affect Her Majesty's Royal prerogative