The first three polls held by councils to decide whether they should have directly-elected mayors all resulted in big majorities against the idea.

But a referendum in Watford has produced a small majority in favour, showing there is not an automatic majority against this change all over the country.

Brighton and Hove holds its referendum in October. The result, important for the city, could be close. On balance we believe having a mayor would be for the good.

An able and charismatic leader would be able to make quick decisions and represent Brighton and Hove nationally and internationally.

What the supporters of directly-elected mayors must do between now and October is to explain the idea properly to the public, pointing out the democratic checks and balances and how the mayor's actions would be open to scrutiny.

The alternative, unique to Brighton and Hove, would be an updated version of the old committee system.

That's no way to run a 21st Century city with a population of 250,000, a budget of more than £200 million and more than 7,000 staff.