Winchester could soon have two mayors under radical changes at the city council.

A new, powerful politician in charge of all civic services and a traditional ceremonial figure would share the title.

Residents are to be asked how they think the authority should be run. The council currently has a leader and a cabinet.

But two other ways could be adopted - either a publicly-elected mayor with cabinet or a publicly-elected mayor with council manager. The sweeping changes are being forced on councils by the Local Government Act 2000.

The council will send leaflets to every household, asking residents for their views. To explain the options, there will be two public meetings, one in Winchester and one in the southern parishes.