It is not a defined list, as I said. There is a list which I assume probably came from consultation on the White Paper, and things that people have already said they might like to use. They can choose from that shortlist, but they can also have a different title that is not on the list. The choice is theirs.
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Clause 42 enables the Secretary of State to amend the list of possible titles. The Secretary of State could add a new alternative title or remove an existing one from the list if, for example, a number of areas choose a title which is not on the list. These provisions aim to provide sufficient flexibility for mayoral combined county authorities to select an appropriate alternative title for their mayor, having regard to other public officeholders in their area. We consider that including a list encourages consistency between titles, where that is appropriate, to aid public understanding of the role of the mayor, which we have discussed. We want to ensure this works effectively in local areas and tries to balance flexibility for an area in the titles it can choose with consistency and clarity. We believe the provision already provides the flexibility the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, is trying to achieve.
Finally, Amendment 125 tabled by the noble Baroness, Lady Hayman of Ullock, would require combined county authorities to communicate to all residents in their area changes to a mayoral title. We entirely agree
that it is important that residents are aware of the title used by an individual representing them. Clause 41 requires that combined county authorities publish a notice in their area whenever there is a change to the mayoral title. This requirement is to ensure that residents are aware of the change in that title. The Government therefore feel that they have already provided for effective, proportionate reporting mechanisms for changes to mayoral titles that cover what the noble Baroness is seeking.