Mr Winter described his deputy as a "valuable" colleague

Only the deputy mayor of Doncaster and another senior councillor stepped down.

Aidan Rave said he lacked confidence in the mayor and cabinet transport member John Mounsey urged more openness.

BBC Radio Sheffield has learned that an ultimatum by all nine cabinet members called, among other options, for either the mayor or the cabinet to step down.

The revelation was made at a crisis meeting of the council's Labour group on Tuesday.

Deputy Mayor Aidan Rave told the BBC on Monday he disagreed with the direction in which the Labour-run metropolitan borough council was being taken.

He said: "I think there's a lack of confidence there otherwise I would not have taken the decision I have taken today but really that is more for Martin Winter to worry about rather than me."

Government watchdog

In a statement on Monday, Mr Winter said: "Aidan has been a valuable member of the council's executive for the past five years and also my deputy during this time.

"I am sure he will continue to work hard for his constituents and the Labour Party, continuing to play a role in delivering Doncaster's new found success."

The Labour group did not respond to a BBC request to comment on the ultimatum letter from the entire cabinet.

Last month it emerged that South Yorkshire Police were investigating alleged irregularities in Mr Winter's election expenses following claims he should have included a meeting at Doncaster Rovers ground.

In a separate inquiry, police are investigating the way a community project, once run by Mr Winter, was set up after being criticised by a government watchdog.

Doncaster Council is one of only 11 local authorities to be led by an elected mayor.