A mayoral election in Swindon is essential. If democracy relies on people voting for a particular candidate, then that tradition ought to be met.

I believe the people of Swindon would have elected a candidate outside of the three old parties if they had been given the chance to elect their own mayor. I experienced the Bristol mayoral election in 2012 and the result was different. Many people found their voice and therefore elected an independent mayor. He was not a Conservative, Labour or Lib Democratic, but he won comfortably with the help of the people of Bristol.

People are beginning to realise these three old parties have no good policies. They are still clinging to obsolete ideas and policies because they do not realise we are living in changing times.

Their policies are the same even though theses parties wear different clothes. A mayoral election in Swindon is good for the people, the town and the business. The sooner the better.

Axmed Bahjad, Fleet Street Swindon