On the morning of 7 May 2011, Labour's grip on York looked iron-tight. At the election count the previous day, the party had swept to power, gaining eight seats and seizing control of City of York Council with a clear majority - 26 seats out of 47. New leader James Alexander, pictured below, was in a powerful position.

York Press:

 

Today though, Labour's control is in tatters and huge question marks hang over some of its key policies. These charts show how the party's control has eroded:

 

 

The party remains the largest on the council by a clear margin. Labour has 21 councillors, 11 clear of the Conservatives. But the opposition parties will now be able to team up to radically change the council's agenda, potentially on controversial issues such as the repayment of Lendal Bridge fines, the closure of the Castlegate Centre, York's alignment with the combined West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Local Plan that will set out the vision of York for the next 20 years.

Where did it all go wrong for Labour? With 5 dramatic defections:

 

York Press: Lynn Jeffries (9612641)

1) Lynn Jeffries was the first to resign, in August 2012. She said Labour's handling of social care changes was the last straw. She became an independent, and later joined the Liberal Democrats. Her death in August has prompted next week's Westfield by-election.

York Press:

2) Brian Watson was second to go, in May 2014. He was deselected while Sheriff of York and resigned to become an independent.

York Press:

3) The third to go was Helen Douglas, who last month defected from Labour to the Conservatives. She had been deselected by Labour in Clifton. 

York Press:

4 & 5) On Thursday night, former leader David Scott (above left) dramatically resigned at a packed Guildhall. Moments later, his Clifton colleague Ken King, a party veteran and former Lord Mayor, did the same.

  • Labour leader James Alexander has said he will talk to media this afternoon. See thepress.co.uk later today for more reaction and analysis.