Voters have rejected new-look local government in favour of a streamlined version of the old committee system.

Seventy per cent of residents who responded to a Brighton and Hove Council survey wanted a modernised version of the old model if proposals for a directly-elected mayor failed.

Only 19 per cent said they favoured a leader and Cabinet, the system currently used to govern Brighton and Hove.

The council asked voters for their views on the best fallback option if a referendum, expected in November, rejects plans for a mayor.

The council's ruling Labour group wants a directly-elected mayor but there is bitter opposition from an alliance of Labour dissidents, Tories, Lib Dems and Greens.

Alliance vice-chairman Francis Tonks said: "It is a victory for common sense. The more people know about these arrangements, the more they go for the tried and tested rather than these souped-up schemes."

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "This is a very important issue for the city. We should only have an elected mayor with a clear view being expressed following genuine consultation, open decision making and of course a referendum."

Eleven per cent of people who took part in the consultation said they had no preference. Just under 1,900 voters responded.