Campaigners for and against a directly-elected mayor went head-to-head in a heated debate.

More than 100 people attended the debate at the Brighthelm Centre in Brighton last night to hear why they should vote for or against a mayor.

Broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, for the yes campaign, said under the current system there was no clear leader.

However an elected mayor would have the authority to call emergency meetings, for example with health chiefs to discuss the threat to the city's breast care services.

Referring to The Argus' campaign to stop Brighton breast care services from moving to Haywards Heath, Mr Fanshawe said: "How would a committee system deal with that issue?

"An elected mayor would call in the chief executive of the health trust and say this is an issue for Brighton and Hove women and that we do not want you to close that unit."

Coun Francis Tonks, who is a No campaigner, said: "If we have a new committee system we could have emergency sub-committees which could be as rapid as necessary.

"The new system would be flexible and have a lot of people involved."

Government whip Lord Bassam, a Yes campaigner, said: "The key issue is democracy.

"As a voter, who do we trust most? Do we trust politicians choosing our civic leaders behind closed doors, or do we trust ourselves to make an informed choice?"

Coun Keith Taylor, a No campaigner, said: "Giving that much power to one person is crazy. The idea that one person can solve all our problems is just plain daft."

Ballot papers have already been distributed and have to be returned by October 18. The result will be known on October 19.