The familiar anthem reminds us that another one bites the dust. With word of another resignation from the Labour administration, in what is quickly becoming a cheaply-produced recreation of Rome’s final period, I suspect this is not the conclusion.

In its closing phase, Rome was merely a remnant of its former splendour. Political turmoil, an economy in freefall, defeats that brought shame, and constant attacks had eroded the Western Roman Empire. In 476 CE, the Germanic leader Odoacer overthrew Romulus Augustulus, the final Western Roman ruler, marking the conventional conclusion of ancient Rome. The once-dominant empire had crumbled amid disputes for power and pressure from migrating groups. An accurate summary of both situations? In my view, yes. Following their significant loss in Goldsmid ward, Cllr Birgit Miller has left both the administration and the Labour Party, now serving the ward as an independent member. The present circumstances bear a close likeness.

This latest chain of events contributes to an increasing atmosphere of disarray and doubt. Though no parallel is ever precise, the picture of a governing body afflicted by difficulties, resignations and internal friction inevitably brings historical comparisons to mind, especially since both councillors departing from Queen’s Park and Goldsmid expressed equal criticism of the leadership team within the Labour administration.

Cllr Miller was recently stripped of her position as cabinet member responsible for culture, tourism and heritage, replaced by Cllr McGregor. I can say that my dealings with her during her tenure were pleasant and she performed her duties adequately in the public meetings arranged in Preston Park ward and, although the local community remains far from satisfied with the current programme of events, she made an effort to connect with residents. Let us hope Cllr McGregor demonstrates the same commitment.

The strong leader and cabinet structure introduced by this administration was always going to establish an environment of cabinets and cabinots. By this I mean members who hold positions and influence within the administration and those who do not. The council leader alone determines who becomes a lead member and that formula for catastrophe is generating the disorder and fragmentation we are witnessing at present in the administration at a crucial juncture when cohesion is required.

Given that we have experienced the warmest summer on record and the precarious financial state the council faces, this is no moment for tinkering about. The Greens adopt a different philosophy and operate far more democratically; every role within our group is determined by vote among our members and choices are reached through agreement rather than command. Our councillor candidates are chosen through a city-wide ballot of members.

Should we achieve a positive outcome next May in the local elections, I can promise that we would subject the council to considerably greater examination and openness than has been evident over the past three years and we will incorporate this as a commitment in our manifesto.

Though, given the number of Labour councillors departing, perhaps this may occur sooner. It is time for full council to become a resident-focused assembly, characterised by public participation and scrutiny, rather than the petty talkfest it has become. Until then I believe the turmoil and instability within the administration will persist and, since all councillors have the option of remaining for an additional year, we will discover which of them are genuinely committed to serving their communities.

And be assured, residents of Queen’s Park have noticed this. Brenda from Bristol’s reaction of what, another one has resonated throughout the ward and let us not overlook the financial consequences of three by-elections. I will not cite a figure as undoubtedly some self-satisfied councillor will write in to mock me for failing to get the amount down to the precise pounds and pence but that is not the key issue, is it?

Residents do not wish to be part of Labour’s psychodrama, they want tidy streets, waste collection maintained, primary schools preserved and front-line services and voluntary sector organisations adequately funded so when the spending reductions arrive next year you can be certain we will be present to remind the city that national government and this administration share the same approach – and it is always residents who bear the cost.

Rome did not collapse in a single day; it was worn down through multiple blows. Some may or may not perceive the same pattern emerging in the town hall but from my vantage point, the wheels certainly appear to be coming loose.

Steve Davis is Leader of the Opposition and Green Group Convenor