IT IS disappointing to see councillor Bill Randall’s first act as mayor of Brighton and Hove was to indulge in some Green Party PR (The Argus, May 19).

Using an electric car is admirable, but to say that Renault has loaned the car to the city “because we are a Green council” breaks the first rule of being a mayor – being above party politics.

Coun Randall claims the electric car “won’t cost the taxpayer a penny” as it has been loaned to the city for six months, but there will be the small daily cost of charging it.

However, after this period, the taxpayer will have to fund the replacement for the Toyota Prius hybrid electric car that successive mayors have used for the past seven years, and which the Greens have now disposed of.

A new Renault Fleunce will cost the city around £18,000, plus £75 a month in battery leasing.

It may be difficult for Coun Randall to make the switch from political leader of Brighton and Hove City Council to non-political civic representative of the city, but he should remember he is not there to use the mayoralty as a vehicle for Green Party photo opportunities.

Chaun Wilson, Downland Road, Woodingdean