Who is typically appointed as the ceremonial leader of the council by many local authorities?

Local councils in the UK are responsible for a wide range of services, from schools and social care to waste collection and planning. To provide leadership and represent the council, many local authorities appoint a mayor. Now, it's important to understand that this mayor is usually a *ceremonial* leader. This means they primarily attend civic events, represent the council at public functions, and act as a figurehead. They chair council meetings but don't typically have executive power over the council's day-to-day operations. The role of mayor dates back centuries, evolving from positions of real power to largely symbolic ones. While an MP represents a constituency in Parliament, an accountant deals with finances, and a shadow minister is part of the opposition in Parliament, the mayor is the figurehead of the local council. So, when you think of local councils and their public face, the mayor is the key ceremonial leader.