How could it happen? The Yes campaign was headed by the great and the good who have given us city status and are heading the campaign for European City of Culture.

Brighton and Hove City Council wanted it, the business community wanted it and The Argus wanted it.

It had funding from the New Local Government Network and buses swayed under the weight of Yes advertisements.

The No camp had next to nothing - no high-profile individuals, no local business support, no Press support, no cash-rich national lobby group and no buses.

Could it be it just wasn't a very good idea?

-Richard Paul-Jones, Brighton