In MORE than 100 years of the mayoralty there can have been no more self-opinionated and arrogant occupant of the chair than councillor Stan Pajak.

His predecessors have been proud and honoured to have been elected to the office of mayor and have, without exception, upheld the dignity and traditions of the office. They have never questioned wearing the robe and the chain at council meetings.

It is the office of mayor that the electors respect, not the current occupant of the office. The occupants gain the respect of the electorate if they succeed. Councillor Pajak is clearly a non-starter.

If the protocol attached to the office of mayor is to change it should be determined by the council and not by an individual. It is to be hoped that, notwithstanding the support given to Councillor Pajak by council leader Sue Bates, the appropriate committee will consider the matter.

But what a sad day it is when Swindon needs "standing orders" for its civic leader.

Stuart H Macpherson

Springfield Road

Swindon