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The Leadership feat doesn't actually specify whether the cohort is controlled by the player or GM, but I normally leave it in the players hands since it is his resource that is being expended. The feat does specify that it is a loyal cohort or follower, so I certainly wouldn't do anything douchey like having the cohort yell "Screw you!" when it sees the enemy and running off.
There's a reason this isn't a legal ability in PFS, and that's because it does introduce a lot of random elements into the game. Balancing the cohort is partly your responsibility as GM, and partly your player's for taking the feat.
As a note, the cohort (and all other followers granted by this feat) are specifically noted to be NPC's or Non Player Characters. This means that ultimate control of them lies with the GM.

Cheapy |

Like all other player resources, the players choose.
Dev clarification here. You now know the intent. Do with it what you will.

Saint Caleth |

I let the player specify the class and vaguely the build that they want for the cohort then I as the DM actually build the character. This kind of simulates the character "taking resumes" from the NPCs who come out of the woodwork to follow the newly awesome leader.
I trust players to run them in combat and when I give players this benefit of the doubt they live up to it.

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In our campaign, the PC makes a DC 15 diplomacy check - no help from other PCs, no "take 10". Success means the character is able to recruit a specific cohort (the player designs the cohort). Failure means the GM designs the cohort.
Just hope your GM would not design, say, a charisma-based monk. :-)

Helic |

Leadership - who choose the class of the follower? Player or Dm?
Is the Npc played by the DM or the Player? (I Or example as DM would prefer te player run it in combat - while taking controll rest of time).How loyal is a follower?
Well in our campaign my Wizard has Leadership. I was able to stat up the follower (point buy one step down from PC build), and I control my cohort in combat. Sometimes the GM interjects some roleplay bits from my cohort.
As for loyalty, followers are 'pretty loyal'. IOW they shouldn't be backstabbing you unless you seriously abuse them, and they can't be bought out from under you and they won't abandon you in the middle of a fight unless it's obvious suicide.
It doesn't mean they're going to sell their magic items to fund your weapon upgrades. Or do things grossly in conflict with their alignment (they might, if you're persuasive enough). They might break under torture, just like anyone might unless they had a very high Will save.

Quantum Steve |

Leadership enables a character to attract a loyal cohort and a number of devoted subordinates who assists him, not create a second PC.
Player's should work with their GM to create a cohort that all involved are comfortable with, but the GM has final approval of any cohort.
And, for the record, I think that comparing a cohort to Weapon Focus is decidedly gamist and, frankly, insulting to NPCs at large. Cohorts are people, too!