[susie123]

It's historical, innit? Goes back a long way and a bit of tradition doesn't hurt. And as Neil says it confers a bit of kudos on a ceremony. I can remember when we had a town clerk in wig and gown as well. Bet that's gone now.

The following is a precis from wikipedia to give some background:

In England, the mayor is the later descendant of the feudal lord's bailiff or reeve. By the beginning of the twelfth century the title of portreeve gave way to that of mayor as the designation of the chief officer of london. The adoption of the title by other boroughs followed at various intervals.

In the 19th century, in the United Kingdom, the municipal Corporations Act 1882, Section 15, regulated the election of mayors. He was to be a fit person elected annually on 9 November by the council of the borough from among the aldermen or councillors or persons qualified to be such. His term of office was one year, but he is eligible for re-election.

The office of mayor in most modern English and Welsh boroughs and towns did not in the twentieth century entail any important administrative duties, and was generally regarded as an honour conferred for local distinction, long service on the Council, or for past services. The mayor (who had to be a serving elected councillor) was expected to devote much of his (or her) time to civic, ceremonial, and representational functions, and to preside over meetings for the advancement of the public welfare. His or her administrative duties are to act as returning officer at parliamentary elections, and as chairman of the meetings of the council.

However, since reforms introduced in 2000, 12 English boroughs have elected mayors who combine the 'civic' mayor role with that of Leader of the Council and have significantly greater powers than either.