‘I apologise – Labour is where my heart is’: Ex-Lord Mayor Steve Wilson retracts ‘toxic’ allegation and rejoins Hull Labour

RETRACTS ‘TOXIC’ ALLEGATION: Councillor Steve Wilson

EXCLUSIVE

By Angus Young

Former Lord Mayor of Hull Steve Wilson has rejoined the Labour group just over a month after resigning.

At the time, Councillor Wilson said he quit because of a “toxic environment” within the main opposition group on Hull City Council.

Since then he has been sitting as an Independent at the Guildhall having previously confirmed his intention to retire as a councillor ahead of May’s council elections.

Today Coun Wilson returned to the Labour benches at the council’s annual budget-setting meeting.

In a statement, he said: “I am delighted to rejoin the Labour group.

“I have always been a Labour councillor and Labour is where my heart is.

“I wish to retract my comments and apologise to my colleagues in the Labour group for the hurt I know they felt due to my comments.

“I wish to retract my allegations of the group being toxic.

“My severe stroke has massively affected my physical and mental health, hence me standing down in May.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and I look forward to campaigning with Sian Humphries, the Labour candidate for University ward, in the May elections.”