Those opposed to an elected mayor might keep in mind that we already have one in London, cuddly Ken Livingstone.

And when they warn us of the possibility of a demagogue emerging, they should keep him in mind.

They should also look to France, dotted with elected mayors and much more active than the UK in local affairs.

When they warn us of fraud and corruption, they should look to our own chequered history in local government.

What they don't warn us about is increased efficiency. Nor do they warn us of increased apathy at elections. Why, I wonder?

While mayors won't be limited to the members of the "majority party" when choosing the cabinet, that could well be an advantage.

Nationally, many are appealing for proven competence to be the criterion for office rather than political affinity. Why not locally?

-R G Jenkins, Hove