WELCOME to the last of our elected mayor webchats, today with Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh.

Coun Bluh (Con, Dorcan) has spoken out against a change in the current system, but is pleased that the issue is being debated by the people of Swindon.

"I can see ways in which an elected mayor would be beneficial, but it all depends on getting the right candidate," he said.

"If the wrong person is elected that could be very dangerous.

"My main point has always been that we need to focus on having genuine local government in this country, which at the moment we don't have.

"I am the leader of the council yet I have no control over the police, fire service, schools, health.

"If we are going to have an elected mayor then that mayor has to have power to make a difference - and at the moment the Government is reluctant to give that power."

Coun Bluh will be online to chat about elected mayors from noon. We would ask all participants to be polite and observe the usual Newsquest rules. Thank you, and enjoy the debate.