In the age of austerity, it is right that councils examine every possible cost-saving which does not have a direct bearing on public services.

And if, by merging the roles of Durham's Mayor and chairman of Durham County Council, a significant amount of public money could be saved, then it is hard to argue with the objective.

However, a bitter political row has broken out over who should fill that single civic role. The Deputy Mayor, Liberal Democrat leader Amanda Hopgood, would traditionally become the new Mayor. But Labour wants to break with tradition and nominate the new county council chairman, Pauline Charlton.

I have no wish to become involved in the party politics which has frothed to the surface. Indeed, it seems to me that it is the politics which is at the root of the problem.

The role of Mayor works best when it rises above politics. Having a ceremonial, non-political figure-head adds value to a community, whether it be cutting ribbons at garden fetes, opening school libraries, presenting awards, or raising funds for local charities.

The Mayoral hand-over in Darlington last week was a refreshing example of how it should be done. Labour Mayor Paul Baldwin handed over to Tory stalwart Charles Johnson in a good-humoured, dignified ceremony, with politics left outside, and good wishes all round.

Whatever the result of the party wrangling in Durham, it is to be hoped that a Mayor eventually emerges who is free of the strait-jacket of politics.

People do not want to see money wasted on duplicated roles. But they also do not care about a Mayor's politics - just how much effort he or she puts into the role.