Ex-Lord Mayor resigns from Hull Labour over ‘toxic environment’
‘FREE OF IT NOW’: Councillor Steve Wilson during his time as Lord Mayor in 2020. Picture by Neil Holmes Photography
EXCLUSIVE By Angus Young
Former Lord Mayor of Hull Steve Wilson has dramatically resigned from the city council’s opposition Labour group, saying it had become a “toxic environment”.
His move came just a day after an official vacancy notice was published by the council confirming the resignation of Marjorie Brabazon as a Labour councillor for Avenue ward.
Her departure means there will be a by-election in the ward.
Coun Wilson, who was the city’s 107th Lord Mayor, will now sit as an independent councillor at the Guildhall.
In a statement on social media he said: “Today I resigned the Labour whip, I am no longer a Labour councillor but I am still a councillor.
“It became a toxic environment, but I am free of it now.”
LONG-SERVING: Councillor Wilson as Lord Mayor with Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy during the 2019 General Election
He had previously announced his intention to retire as a councillor ahead of this year’s election in May. He will continue as an independent representing University ward until then.
Coun Wilson was Lord Mayor during the most of Covid pandemic.
His traditional year as the city’s civic figurehead was extended partly because of the disruption caused by the pandemic as well as the enforced absence through illness of his predecessor, the late Peter Allen.
His dramatic exit has created another unwanted headache for Labour in Hull after the Lib Dems cemented their hold on power in last year’s Local Elections.
In opposition, Labour has yet to show signs of making a comeback and suffered a setback when Sarah Harper Riches was disqualified as a councillor in Bricknell for not attending any meetings within a required six-month period.
Labour won the subsequent by-election but now face another battle in Avenue ward which is traditionally a marginal ward.
The Hull Story has asked the Labour group for a statement but has yet to receive a reply.
Lib Dem group spokesman Councillor Jack Haines said: “It’s clearer than ever that Labour are not fit to lead our great city and even their own members think that.”
