Warwick Society chairman James Mackay suggested the idea of an elected at the town council's annual meeting on May 9.

Mr Mackay believes an elected mayor with control of their own budget could make a difference in a town many feel is short changed compared with Leamington, Stratford and Nuneaton.

He said: "The impact of the office of mayor could be perhaps be even stronger than in London.

"The more the town could control its own destiny the better it would give people a sense of belonging to a community that is important for everyone's quality of life."

Mr Mackay told the Courier: "The important thing is that the mayor is chosen by everybody to lead and has the power to lead. In France and Germany a mayor has the power to affect things for the good of the people of the town.

"Ken Livingstone changed London for the better and Boris Johnson plans to change it for the better again."

This year's mayor Coun Martyn Ashford (Lab, Warwick North) said he would consider standing in an election.

He said: "Mayors in France and Germany have multi million pound budgets and get to manage on behalf of their town.

"When I visit on twinning trips I really am at a loss because they are in charge whereas I am just a ceremonial figure, so I feel out of place.

"Having an elected mayor has clear benefits both on a national and international stage. It really has to be the future."

But former mayor Coun Misan McFarland (Lab, Warwick North) believes it is a mistake to involve party politics. She said: "It is very good for the town if the mayor is apolitical.

"Even though it is a ceremonial role the mayor still does a lot of important work."

Town council leader Coun Gerry Guest (Con, Warwick South) believes townspeople would not support the change. He said: "It would cost money and people are not happy to spend money at the moment."

The government supports the idea of elected mayors, which are dealt with by the department of Communities and Local Government. A spokesman said: "The government believes that direct elections provide strong leadership."

But according to town clerk Derek Maudlin, Warwick could not opt for an elected mayor as it has only a town council and legally only larger authorities such as district and borough councils can ask to change their system.

He still believes Mr Mackay's point - that an elected representative with the power to fight to obtain funding and recognition for Warwick - is a valid one.

l Who would you like to be elected mayor? Email editorial@leamingtoncourier.co.uk