THE defection of Labour councillors in York is already having an impact on the way this city is governed.

Despite the dramatic resignation of two more senior Labour members at Thursday’s full council meeting, York’s long-awaited stadium project was approved.

But, with Labour now well short of an outright majority, a shock vote forced the consultation process on the city’s draft local plan to be halted.

A new report will now be prepared looking at the number of new homes the city needs.

The delay must throw in doubt Labour’s prospects of getting the local plan through before next year’s local election – with possible long-term consequences for the way this city grows over the next 15 years.

The vote signals Labour’s sudden weakness as a ruling party.

The two Labour councillors who quit on Thursday – former group leader David Scott, and former Lord Mayor Ken King – were scathing about the York Labour leadership.

Cllr Scott, who was ousted by James Alexander as Labour leader in 2010, said there wasn’t a single member of the group’s current leadership he would offer a proper job. Cllr Alexander retorted that Cllr Scott had never forgiven him for beating him in the leadership battle.

Such unedifying squabbling hardly strengthens Labour’s image.

The council has already this year been criticised by the Information Commissioner’s Office for failing to answer Freedom of Information requests, by the local government ombudsman for the way it deals with complaints, and by the Spend Network for publishing poor quality data on the public money it spends.

Yet there are things Labour deserves credit for. York has come through the recession well.

There has been real inward investment, from companies like Hiscox. And the city stadium should hopefully now be completed on time.

But there is a great deal still to be done. York needs strong leadership.

We hope Labour can now work with opposition parties to provide that.