Voters in Birmingham are set to go to the polls on May to decide whether or not the city should be run by a directly elected mayor.

Both sides of the debate will be heard at a college forum in the city and questions will be invited from the floor.

The referendum will ask the people of Birmingham whether they want to continue with the current system of a council leader selected by fellow councillors, or replace it with a directly elected mayor.

We have teamed up with South Birmingham College for the live discussion on Tuesday, April 17.

Leader of the Yes to a Birmingham Mayor campaign Julia Higginbottom and Conservative councillor for Sutton New Hall James Bird will put the case for a mayor.

Labour MP for Selly Oak Steve McCabe and Green Party spokesman and former council deputy leader David Williams will present arguments against.

Each will be giving a short speech before the meeting is opened up to questions. We also expect a few of those politicians bidding to become the mayor to attend to offer their views on the debate.

Supporters claim the elected mayor could provide the strong, clear and accountable leadership to take Birmingham into a golden era of economic growth, prosperity and success.

But opponents say it could see the city lumbered with a costly or corrupt power freak which it would unable to ditch for four years between elections.

If a majority vote yes to the change there will be a mayoral election on November 15.

* Anyone who would like to attend the event at South Birmingham College, Digbeth Campus Auditorium, High Street Deritend, on Tuesday, April 17 (2pm to 4pm) should email esh.capelo@trinitymirror.com