Former mayor who quit 'toxic' Labour group returns

Labour councillor Steve Wilson served as lord mayor of Hull from 2019 to 2020

A former lord mayor of Hull who quit the city’s Labour group last month after saying it had a “toxic environment” has returned.

Councillor Steve Wilson has retracted those claims and apologised to his colleagues.

He said the comments were made after a recent stroke had affected his physical and mental health.

He will serve the rest of his time as a councillor, then stand down in May before local elections.

A Labour group spokesperson said they did not recognise the claim about a toxic environment made by Mr Wilson at the time, adding he had never raised it with the leadership.

Mr Wilson said: “I wish to retract my comments and apologise unreservedly to my colleagues for the hurt I know they felt when I referred to a toxic culture.

Health issues

“My severe stroke has massively affected my physical and mental health. My health is also the reason I am standing down in May. Thank you to everyone who supported me.”

The University ward councillor’s resignation in January rocked the council's opposition group, especially because news of his departure coincided with fellow Labour councillor Marjorie Brabazon quitting her Avenues seat.

Ms Brabazon's resignation triggered the Avenues by-election held on 15 February, which was won by Liberal Democrat Councillor Rhiannon Beeson.

Mr Wilson served as Hull’s lord mayor from 2019 to 2020.

Labour activist Sian Humphries is set to stand for the party in the University ward in May’s local elections.

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