The office was created in 1964 with the election of the first GLC. Until 1 April 1965 the GLC was a "shadow authority", coming into its full powers on 1 April 1965. The chairman was elected annually, and a similar role to a mayor: presiding at council meetings and acting as host or representative of the council on civic and ceremonial occasions. The office had the formal title of "The Right Honourable, The Chairman of the Greater London Council".