IT WAS with relief that I heard of the resignation of James Alexander as leader of City of York Council.

I am sure he will have overseen some successes, but council taxpayers have witnessed many failures, U-turns and costly mistakes during his leadership.

I have come to regard James as a young professional career politician intent on climbing the ladder, whatever the cost.

Despite the fact that the writing was on the wall when Labour party councillors began defecting, Cllr Alexander boldly carried on, apparently undeterred. This suggests he still has a lot to learn about people management and the art of negotiation. I hope Ed Miliband will take note of this when Mr Alexander takes up his new role with him.

While I sympathise with Cllr Alexander regarding the pressures he and his family may have been under, this has to some extent been self-inflicted. His departure will leave York facing many problems, in particular traffic congestion and affordable housing.

Let us hope all parties can now resolve to work together for the benefit of all who live in this beautiful city.

Ian Collinson, Longridge Lane, Nether Poppleton, York.