Anthony Seldon has a real nerve accusing councillors of being "scared of democracy".

Councillors submit themselves every four years to the electorate, which is more than can be said of Dr Seldon.

Far from being scared of democracy, I want more of it. But I won't get it from an elected mayor.

That will concentrate power in the hands of one person surrounded by an elite of the good and the great.

As far as a referendum on May 3 is concerned, perhaps Dr Seldon could explain how, in the middle of a general election, there can possibly be an informed debate on the future of local government.

The cynical calculation is that the voters won't understand the real issues but will simply see a directly elected mayor as a nice, cuddly idea and sign on the dotted line.

-Coun Kevin Allen, Reigate Road, Brighton