But, Al ~~ the analogy is not with other cities, but with states like the USA: Congress doesn't appoint the President; he is separately elected to fulfil a real governing function in consultation with the elected representatives, rather than just a ceremonial symbolic role like those of countries where the government chooses the president, or cities where the council chooses the mayor. So the purpose of the recently created post of London's Mayor. Within the City, you still have the Lord Mayor for symbolic and ceremonial stuff.

Best

~M~