Since the 13th century, the governing body of the city has been the city council ("Rat"), first consisting of ten, later of 24 elected aldermen ("Ratsherren"). The chairman of the city council was the city mayor. In the 19th century there were three mayors. Since 1925, the head of the city has borne the title of Lord Mayor. Having been elected by the city council for centuries, since 2002 this position is now elected directly by the citizens of Rostock, following a reform.