Hull local election results 2022: Lib Dems end Labour’s 10-year rule

The Liberal Democrats have taken back control of Hull City Council, ending a decade of rule by the Labour Party.

The Lib Dems now control 29 of the council’s 57 seats with Labour, previously the biggest party, on 27, with one independent.

Labour gained the single Conservative seat on the council, one of the party’s few successes of the evening.

The city’s Liberal Democrat leader, councillor Mike Ross, said it was “an emphatic vote for change in Hull”.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We thank the thousands that voted Liberal Democrat today, they sent a message no-one can ignore.”

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Ross said: “Locally people are fed up with a Labour council that they felt was no longer listening to them.

“We recognise that being put in this position of power isn’t about power, it’s about responsibility and serving the public of Hull.

“That means doing what is in their interest and working with them to make sure that is what the council does.”

Labour went into polling day with 29 seats, a working majority of one, to the Lib Dems’ 26.

The Liberal Democrats, who had been fighting to regain power since 2011, toppled cabinet member Gwen Lunn in the University ward and John Black in Longhill and Bilton Grange.

The latter was Labour’s longest-serving council member.

Winning Mr Black’s seat, Tim Kemp thanked voters and said: “It’s clear that we can make change happen…

“Whether it’s working for better housing, cleaner city or smarter city, our strong Lib Dem team will put you first. Thank you very much.”

Cllr John Fareham ended his stint as the Conservatives’ sole councillor with his defeat in the Bricknell ward.

Recent years have seen the Liberal Democrats chip away at Labour’s lead on Hull City Council.

Now the Lib Dems are back in charge after more than a decade in opposition, and could be described as the comeback kids.

Many commentators would argue the party has long since been “detoxified” since the days when Nick Clegg shared power with David Cameron and the coalition government’s austerity measures.

But the Lib Dems must prove they are more than just an opposition party and can govern again, albeit at a local level.

Some tough decisions lie ahead on issues such as the future of the controversial bus and cycle lanes in Hull.

Labour say the Lib Dems are “renting” the city and they will get it back next year.

Expect another fierce battle for control of the Guildhall when the ballot boxes are brought out of storage again in 12 months’ time.

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