The success of London's new mayoral model inspired calls for mayors in other big cities.
What do people think about the mayoral model as a way of encouraging diversity?
Before long he will throw me another surprise by revealing he is not a fan of the elected mayoral model the government is so keen to promote.
A bill now before Parliament would rig the system to make it easier to switch to a mayoral model and harder to get rid of one.
Looking colourful in a salmon pink shirt and maroon pair of braces that contrast with his grey, brushed-back hair, Mallon claims that the mayoral model is open to abuse by the power-crazy.
The city is consulting residents on whether they wish to retreat from the mayoral model: a sign of the fragility of the institution when things go wrong.So it is by no means certain that Britain's cities will vote for mayors next year.
Those that copy the mayoral model will get the most independence and those that stick closely to their current scheme will receive the least.Mr Copus says that such uncertainty is a symptom of the difficulties of selling elected mayors to local politicians.
Spokesman Bern Birbeck argues the current system does not give people enough of a say, but Labour council leader Elaine Woodburn insists the mayoral model is less democratic.
