Opponents of a directly-elected mayor complain that, once elected, the people of Brighton and Hove would have no guarantee the mayor would not put the people's interests first.

Just like local councillors, the mayor would serve a four-year term. Again, just like councillors, voters would have the opportunity every four years of voting the mayor out of office should he or she not deliver on manifesto promises.

However, the key difference between a mayor and a local councillor is the latter can excuse failure to deliver by hiding behind committees or blaming the majority political group running the council.

As an individual and not part of a party, a mayor would have no such excuses. It would therefore be in the personal interests of the mayor to ensure quick and effective implementation of his or her own manifesto - action, not words. No excuses and no more passing the buck - surely a more refreshing alternative to the unaccountable talking shops recommended by the No campaign?

-Clive Jenkins, Ditchling Road, Brighton