I would be more inclined to vote Yes in the forthcoming mayoral referendum if it were not for the "personalities" involved in promoting the Yes vote in the campaign.

Simon Fanshawe has said he will not be standing as a candidate, so why does he feel the necessity for a directly-elected mayor?

Is he merely jumping on the latest bandwagon? What is Roger French's motivation for his lobbying? Is he going to stand as a candidate?

He is on record as saying a business leader would make an ideal mayor.

It is said Mussolini made the trains run on time when he led Italy. Maybe if Roger French leads Brighton and Hove, we will have the buses running on time.

Is Councillor Bodfish putting his name forward as a candidate? Many are not impressed with his performance as a councillor.

As for Lord Bassam, is he merely looking for another job having lost his Home Office position? Come on guys, let's have the truth.

Can you come up with someone who can really sell the idea that this is what Brighton and Hove needs, rather than people who appear to be furthering their own ambitions?

-P La Planche, George Street, Brighton