The resignation of Lynette Gwyn-Jones as leader of Brighton and Hove City Council's ruling group was scarcely a surprise after the political battering she received in the past month.

But the timing of her announcement did shock colleagues because there's a month to run until her term of office ends.

Coun Gwyn-Jones acted last night, as throughout her leadership, with dignity.

And there will be widespread sympathy for her. She has been devoted to improving public services during her long career.

But she simply couldn't continue as leader.

She'd lost too many votes along with the confidence of some of her colleagues.

The ruling Labour group was in an impossible position with a minority of members able to get their way. It was a case of the rebel tail wagging the council dog.

That wouldn't have happened under the leadership of Lord Bassam who had worse troubles to deal with when he led Brighton Council. With a mixture of political charm and cunning, he usually got rid of trouble and mollified the troublemakers.

What Labour has to ensure is that it won't happen again under the next leader.

Coun Gwyn-Jones, as a Labour loyalist, will do her best in the next month to ensure a smooth handover to her successor.

For the sake of the city, the group must pull together and back the new leader so it steams ahead with new projects instead of drifting around like a rudderless ship.