Local Government minister Nick Raynsford has said there are many reasons for Brighton and Hove to vote for an elected mayor in next week's crunch referendum.

Mr Raynsford said he did not want to tell people how to vote on Thursday.

But he said the tireless work of New York's Rudy Guiliani in the wake of the September 11 atrocities had provided a strong argument for communities having a powerful, elected leader.

Mr Raynsford added: "He expressed the spirit of New York and became a visible leader for that city in the aftermath of the atrocity.

"He has been seen all around the world and undoubtedly made people realise the scope for a mayor to make a difference."

The minister said the Government was acting as an "honest broker" in the debate over whether to have elected mayors. But it had made no secret of its desire to see Yes votes.

The ruling Labour group in Brighton and Hove is pushing for a Yes vote, although there are some voices of dissent within the party.