it was not to be a directly elected body, but instead to consist of members nominated by the vestries who were the principal local authorities. the larger vestries had two members and the city of london had three. in a few areas the vestries covered too small an area, and here they were merged into a district board for the purpose of nominating members to the mbw. there were 45 members, who would then elect a chairman who was to become a member "ex officio". the first nominations took place in december and the board met first on 22 december 1855 where john thwaites was elected as chairman. the board took over the powers, duties and liabilities of the commission of sewers and the buildings office on 1 january 1856.