York has a history of weak ruling parties dominated by self-assertive leaders.
In the 1970s, Coun Burke of the Labour Party, followed later by Coun Hills and more recently by Coun Galloway, who even after stepping down as leader of the Liberals continued to pull the strings.
It would seem we now have another in the same mould, Coun Alexander of the Labour Party. The high-handed and ill-thought-out decision to sell Union Terrace car park to St John’s, with no consultation and a dismissive nod to the traders of Gillygate, a few litter bins and flower baskets, is typical of this type of leader.
That this is likely to be rubber-stamped by a spineless Labour majority on the council does not do our present rulers any credit. Coun Alexander could do with somebody prepared to stand up to him before his arrogance leads to further disasters.
Nick Derbyshire, South Esplanade, York.
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