I read with interest the article in which the Mayor has defended his decision to forego wearing his robes during council meetings.

In seeking to defend his position, the Mayor shows a significant failure to understand the symbolism of the high office he holds.

This is amply illustrated in his comments, where he suggests "the gowns would make me separate from everyone else, when it's all about inclusion and equality". He does of course accept that the mayoral robes are purely ceremonial, but he does not seem to think the chain of office is ceremonial, nor does he think sitting in the Mayor's chair, which is set on a higher level than his colleagues, in any way affects his wish to be inclusive and equal.

The post of mayor has nothing to do with equality or inclusiveness it is quite the reverse.

The Mayor is the town's number one citizen during his office. The Mayor occupies a privileged position and brings dignity to the role of chairing meetings of the council, and for the greater part they adhere to the convention of being non-partisan in political debate.

Many years of tradition are being swept in an attempt to seek to "make us all the same", and attempt to persuade us that "sweeping away the past" is good for us and allows everyone to be "comfortable in themselves and with each other".

For many people the loss of tradition is akin to being stripped of their cultural identity. This is happening to many of our institutions and we will be poorer as a result.

I hope the Mayor will reconsider and reflect that, to many of us, his office elevates him to a position and rank which transcends his persona and dignifies him with the honorific, The Worshipful The Mayor of Swindon.

Des Morgan

Caraway Drive

Swindon