In a year's time people in the Test Valley could be set to elect their own Mayor.

The Borough Council has been told it has to bring in one of two new ways of leading the authority: either through a Mayor & Cabinet or a Leader & Cabinet system.

But the obvious question here is ‘what's the difference?'

Essentially the difference is that councillors choose the Leader whereas we would choose the Mayor.

They would have the same powers as a Leader and Cabinet system, which is similar to what Test Valley has now, but can delegate some decision-making powers.

As for the current ‘chain and gown' Mayor of Test Valley role - it could be abolished or it could be given a title change, probably to Chairman of the Council.

People in favour of the elected Mayor system say it's more democratic - like the election of a president in America.

But opponents believe it takes power away from the wider council - which they say could be expensive and less democratic.

You can take part in the public consultation until the 16th of July, and it's expected a decision will be made by the end of October. Click here to visit Test Valley Borough Council's website and have your say.

What do you think? Would you like to elect a Mayor to lead the Council? Or does the Leader and Cabinet system work better? Tell us your views by leaving a comment below.