The awarding of city status - there are three new ones and a lord mayoralty for Armagh - is a decision taken by the Queen on ministerial advice.

BBC: English MP criticises choice of St Asaph as new city

The Government's expectation is that only one new city will be created as a result of the diamond jubilee competition and, similarly, that only one existing city will be granted a lord mayoralty or lord provostship.

BBC: English MP criticises choice of St Asaph as new city

His caution is also explained by the limited powers granted to the mayoralty on its creation in 2000 (the separate, ancient post of Lord Mayor concerns only the City of London, the central financial district).

ECONOMIST: Bagehot