Labor MPs in Hull spoke of their disappointment after the party’s defeat by the Liberal Democrats in Thursday’s local election, with one blaming bicycle and bus lanes.
Emma Hardy, Carl Turner and Diana Johnson spoke after the Liberal Democrats ended the 11-year Labor term in Hull by securing a majority in the Guildhall. Hull West and Ms. Hardy of Hesse said the election almost lost conservative support, while Diana Johnson of Hull North said she was disappointed with the result.
But Hull MP Carl Turner said he was largely to blame for the council’s use of bicycle and bus lanes, which he said were imposed on him by the government. That comes when Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Mike Ross hailed the victory as a strong call for change after the results came out in the early hours of Friday morning.
Read more: Who is the new leader of Hull City Council Mike Ross and what challenges does he face?
The final results left the Liberal Democrats with 29 advisers, the minimum required for an overall majority. Labor is now in opposition with 27 councilors, with one independent being the only member not from the ruling or opposition group since Conservative John Fareham was ousted from Bricknell.
Hull’s Labor group said in a statement that they were mistaken because the Conservative vote collapsed in support of the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Ross told Hull Live that voters had sent a message that could not be ignored after it became clear that the Liberal Democrats had crossed the line.
Hull’s Liberal Democrats are celebrating the Guildhall census after taking control of Hull City Council by a majority of one. (Image: Rich Addison)
He said he would make a full statement in the coming days and thanked voters for their support. Ms Hardy said she would still work hard for West Hull locals despite the loss, including Labor candidate Pickering Terry Sullivan, who failed to oust incumbent Liberal Democrat President Tracy Henry.
Ms. Hardy said: “Thank you to everyone who supported us in Hull West and to everyone who spoke on the doorstep. Of course, I am saddened that Labor lost the council, but I will continue to do what I have always done, working hard for you here and in Parliament with all my Labor colleagues to gain their trust and support.
“We have seen an increase in our votes in every ward in West Hull, with the support of the Conservatives almost disappearing. My friend Terry Sullivan’s campaign in Pickering was amazing, and I found it heartbreaking to see him inspire so many people to vote for the first time.
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“He reduced the majority of the Liberal Democrats from 30 percent to 4 percent and lost only 60 votes. I am so proud of him and the other incredible Labor candidates in Hull West in this election.
Hull MP Carl Turner said the council made a mistake when it chose to accept government funding for bus and bike lanes. The implementation of these road traffic measures and, more generally, road works was one of the topics of discussion on the eve of the vote, with many criticizing Labor’s attitude towards them.
Mr Turner said: “It is very disappointing that the hard-working Labor councilors were not rewarded with our vote in this local election. government.
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“Hull City Council had a difficult choice – either to work on the road as quickly as possible to get full state funding, or to do it slowly over time, but to pay as a city, as a result of which the services suffer or municipal taxes. The city council was devastated by this Tory government, undergoing huge cuts every year signed by the Liberal Democrats when they were in coalition
“We decided to take the money from the government for the bike lanes and bus lanes, and that was a mistake. These bus lanes should not be used as a dairy cow to put a few pounds into the city’s heavily pressed treasury, and I will hold the new administration accountable for this.
“What is clear is that the Tories’ vote collapsed in East Hull and throughout the city, with residents resolutely rejecting Boris Johnson and his complete lack of a plan to tackle the cost of living crisis. Hull MP Diana Johnson thanked on Twitter the voters who voted for her party.
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The MP said: “I am disappointed that Hull Labor lost control of Hull City Council last night. I want to thank everyone who campaigned and voted for Labor.
“Congratulations to all elected Labor councilors and condolences to our great Labor candidates who failed this time.”
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