THE SOUTH WEST REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

The assembly is currently chaired by Jackie Longworth (pictured), who is a trade union representative.

The vice chair is Coun Gil Streets, of Dorset County Council (Lib Dem) and the deputy chairs are Coun Sir Simon Day, of Devon County Council (Con), Coun Chanel Stevens, of North Somerset Council (Lab) and Coun Tony Phillips, of West Wiltshire District Council (Ind).

The chair of the assembly is elected every two years, the deputy chair and three vice chairs are elected every year. Four of these posts are held by councillors and one by a SEEP.

The chair rotates through the political parties and the SEEPs. For the period 2004 to 2006 the chair is held by the SEEPs. All assembly members can participate in debates. Decisions are usually reached on the basis of consensus but, if necessary, matters can be decided by a vote.

The full assembly meets three times a year. In between meetings decisions are taken by different groups and the day-to-day running of the assembly is overseen by the executive committee. This committee of 21 includes the chair, vice chair and deputy chairs as well as councillors and SEEP members. Swindon councillors Mike Bawden and Kevin Small sit on the executive.