It is hard to escape from the continuing antics of both major parties in their individual selection procedures to choose a candidate for the London Mayoral elections.

With just over four months to go, only the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have democratically selected their candidates and have their respective leaderships fully behind them.

They just want to get on with the real campaign, but the British media prefers the juicy scandal and farcical actions of the Labour and the Tories.

This, of course, will be the first elected mayor in the country, but as far as I can determine no clear job description has really been agreed.

This being so, it is difficult to determine just what skills, experience or qualities are required to fill the position.

What, precisely, will be the relationship between the London mayor and the Government of the day? Will it require extensive knowledge of the transport systems? Will we need someone who can demonstrate a good track record in management and leadership? Perhaps it is more a public relations job, requiring the Mayor to promote the City's interests around the world. Does it actually need a politician with political skills or might it be better to have someone who does not use the position to further personal or party political aims? Comparisons have been made with the New York mayor, but, quite frankly, I cannot see much correlation between London and New York.

These are serious issues, which need to be settled. Other major cities like Liverpool are considering the same move, so London will set the scene for others to follow. So far little has been sensibly said or explained, rather there have been endless and boring stories about failed candidates. Can the people really be offered a succession of failed politicians all, it seems, with 'baggage', none of whom can demonstrate a real track record of success.

What is not disputed is that it will be a tough job, whoever takes it on. There is much work to be done on the dilapidated transport system, the worrying environmental condition of the air quality, and a demoralised Metropolitan Police force. Racial tension is just under the surface, homelessness is evident and the spectre of organised crime and gangsters getting out of hand is very worrying.

Indeed, the job of London mayor is a very big job. One may wonder who in their right mind would even contemplate it. But some have done so and for that, at least, we should be grateful.