FOI - The Mayor of London's legal status [Oct 2023]

Our response

Please see our answers to each of your questions, in turn, below.

1. Can you confirm if the Mayor of London considers themselves to be a part of the UK Government?

The Mayor of London is the chief executive of the Greater London Authority (GLA). The GLA is the devolved regional governance body of Greater London.

Further information is available on our website:

• Who We Are
• What the Mayor does
• Sadiq Khan

Additionally, more information about the GLA’s functions can be found here:

• Greater London Authority Act 2007 (legislation.gov.uk) 
• Legislative framework - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

2.   Is the Mayor of London set up structurally as a corporation holding a company number that complies with the Companies Act 2006?

The GLA is a public authority and is not registered with Companies House. 

3. How is the Mayor of London linked to Transport for London (TfL)?

The Mayor is Chair of TfL who are responsible for implementing the Mayor's Transport Strategy, and for the day-to-day operational running of transport services in London.

• More information about our partners is available on our website.

4.   Who is the Mayor of London and what is their full correct title?

Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London. His title is ‘Mayor of London’. 

Sadiq became a member of the Privy Council in 2009 which entitles him to use the honorific, ‘The Right Honourable’ for life. 

5. Is the Mayor of London a Member of Parliament?

The Mayor is not a Member of Parliament. 

Sadiq served as Labour MP for Tooting from May 2005 until May 2016 but is no longer an MP. 

Please refer to our answer to Question 1 for more information. 

6. What is the Mayor of London or acting MP’s D-U-N-S number?

The GLA does not have a D-U-N-S number, however, the credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings issues the GLA with a credit rating.

7. Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with the Unsolicited Goods & Services Act 1971? 

Our understanding of the Unsolicited Goods & Services Act 1971 is that it is concerned with the rights of people who receive unsolicited goods and services and how they may retain or dispose of them. As a public authority, this would not be applicable to the GLA. 

8. Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with the Fraud Act 2006?

The GLA believes it is important to promote the highest standards of conduct in public service and ensure that its standards and statutory obligations are fully met. Further information can be found on our website:

• Our procedures
• High standards of conduct

9. Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with Bills of Exchange Act 1882?

Our understanding of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882 is that it is concerned with demands for payment. The GLA adheres to its statutory obligations, however, please note that the GLA does not operate in the same way as local Borough Councils, for example, in the issuing of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) or fines. 

• PCNs for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are issued by TfL.

10. Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with the Bill of Rights 1688, Article 12, which are superior and constitutional?

It is unclear which legislation you are referring to, however, the Bill of Rights 1689 forms the basis of constitutional law and the GLA adheres to its legal responsibilities as a devolved authority within the UK.

11. Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 Section 8?

Please see our answer to Question 8.

12. Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with the Theft Act 1968 Section 21?

Please see our answer to Question 8.

13. Will the Mayor of London share my data with a third party?

The GLA may be required to share your data in certain circumstances.

• For further details please refer to our Privacy Policy.

14.    Is the Mayor of London exempt from complying with contract legislation, can the Mayor of London or TfL enforce a contract without an agreement or consent? 

The GLA adheres to its statutory obligations and is committed to transparency regarding how we spend public money and award commercial contracts.

• Further information can be found on our website.

15. Does the Mayor of London have a VAT number?

The GLA’s VAT number is GB 743 811 731.

16. Which legislation does the Mayor of London rely on to enforce a PCN and fines?

The GLA does not enforce PCNs or fines. Please see our answer to Question 9. 

17. Which legal entity does a PCN and fines apply to, please give clear specific legal definitions, not opinions?

The GLA does not enforce PCNs or fines. Please see our answer to Question 9.

18. What legal presumption does the Mayor of London rely on when enforcing a PCN and fines?

The GLA does not enforce PCNs or fines. Please see our answer to Question 9.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact us, quoting reference MGLA0311023-9450.