Developing “<i>place leadership</i>” when hierarchical accountability is omnipresent: the case of English sub-national government

Purpose The relationship between central and sub-national (local) government is contentious around distribution of power control. There a specific concern when place has devolved, but centralised hierarchical accountability pervades. Design/methodology/approach This paper addresses that by considering recent innovative developments place-based arrangements in England, through analysis official reports news media. Findings article illustrates aspirations towards to the local electorate clash with remains an omnipresent mechanism It suggested, forums be developed blend hierarchy leadership role directly elected mayors. could enable electorate, whilst taking account context regional level complexities. Originality/value one first papers consider issues based within framework for relations.