IN ALL the hoo-ha over James Alexander’s resignation, one aspect seems overlooked.

It is difficult to understand how he will continue to serve the interests of Holgate’s residents from 200 miles away in London. It appears that his councillor’s allowance (paid by council tax-payers in York) will subsidise his new lifestyle.

This follows the pattern of Cabinet member Daffyd Williams who, despite picking up over £21,000 for his Cabinet portfolio, has a virtually full-time employed role outside of the council.

As one of the possible candidates to take over the leadership from Mr Alexander, I wonder if he would continue to combine a full-time role with being leader of the council (even if he gave up his job, he would surely have to work out notice?) What seems more reprehensible is the disrespect shown to the residents of Westfield by scuttling off to the “safer” ward of Heworth.

As someone who helped David Smith to lose his job by writing to his employer, there are three maxims to remind Cllr Williams.

What goes around comes around. You can run but you cannot hide.

And the other – ignore your constituents at your peril.

G Brown, Windsor Garth, York.