The resignation of City of York Council leader James Alexander has prompted a wide range of reactions on our letters page in recent days. Here are a selection of the comments, with links in each to the full letter.

What are your views on James Alexander's departure? What were his best achievements or worst mistakes? Have your say below....

 

1) His departure is only to be expected

"As leader he was responsible in setting the tone for the council and its relationship to citizens – and he failed on both counts. You can’t operate in secrecy with an elite inner circle and expect to take the city with you." - Keith Massey, Bishopthorpe. >>> FULL LETTER.

 

2) Others should go

"His attitude and that of his party was rather bombastic instead of empathetic towards York residents. Mistakes were made, bad decisions were taken and money was wasted." - S McClaren, Boroughbridge Road. >>> FULL LETTER

 

3) No surprise

"He’s like the captain who leaves his sinking ship before the passengers and crew." - Keith Thornton, Degrey Place, Bishopthorpe. >>> FULL LETTER

 

4) Comedy double

"Fingers crossed for the York public on his replacement." - Stuart Sykes, Goodramgate. >>> FULL LETTER

 

5) Surprised at exit

"It is my belief that Parliament is his ultimate goal." - M S Waite, Acomb Park. >>> FULL LETTER

 

6) Labour's new low

"What possible chance have they in achieving an overall majority at next year's General Election?" - Tony Cowling, Askham Bryan. >>> FULL LETTER

 

7) Resignation relief

"I am sure he will have overseen some successes, but council taxpayers have witnessed many failures, U-turns and costly mistakes" - Ian Collinson, Nether Poppleton. >>> FULL LETTER

 

8) Pressure on poor

"I believe he has not acted to alleviate the suffering of those living on the poverty line in York. In fact, In recent years, council tax changes have caused most on low incomes to be poorer." - Billy Holland, The Groves. >>> FULL LETTER

 

9) Was hounding him out a good idea?

"James Alexander engaged with the big picture, as the chamber of commerce and figures in the wider region acknowledge, even if there were well-publicised mistakes." - Christian Vassie, Wheldrake. >>> FULL LETTER

 

10) Good luck 

"Good luck James! You have achieved a lot in a relatively short time." - George Appleby, Clifton >>> FULL LETTER