Ed Davey says Luke Campbell is 'consistently useless' as heated political row unfolds
The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, claimed Hull and East Yorkshire’s Reform UK Mayor, Luke Campbell, has been “consistently useless” after Nigel Farage criticised Hull City Council’s alleged lack of support for the Mayor.
A heated political row has begun to unfold in the region as Hull prepares to go to the polls on May 7 when a third of Hull City Council’s seats will be up for grabs.
Ahead of the election, the leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, visited the city hoping to build on Luke Campbell’s election success last year.
On March 30, Mr Farage spoke at a Reform ‘rally’ at Connexin Live where he launched his party’s local election campaign.
Speaking just under a year into Mr Campbell’s four-year term, Mr Farage told the audience the Mayor has been “up against it” by having “the administration against him, all the local councils against him, it has not been an easy first year”.
On stage, Mr Farage also claimed that if Reform gains seats on Hull City Council on May 7, “that will give Luke a massive, massive step up. He won’t be obstructed.”
Following these remarks, the Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council, Coun Mike Ross, took to LinkedIn where he branded Mr Farage’s words as “ridiculous”.
He wrote: “The Combined Authority literally wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for a lot of work put in by many people at both local councils.
“To suggest it has not had much or the right support from the councils is an insult to so many people, both councillors and officers who have dedicated considerable time into trying to make it work for the region.
"If I look at my own diary, I know many hours every week and month have been taken up with Combined Authority business, and the same will be true for countless others too. I am sure the comments have gone down incredibly badly with those people at both local authorities.”
Coun Ross added that the Reform leader’s comments were not acceptable and claimed that Mr Farage owes an apology to the people who have worked in and around the Combined Authority.
Following Coun Ross’ call for Mr Farage to apologise for his comments, a Reform UK spokesperson told the LDRS: “Nigel Farage is absolutely right to identify that there have been political blocks to progress.
"However, unlike some, Luke Campbell has been consistent since being elected that he wants to work with politicians of all parties if it means successful outcomes can be achieved for the people of Hull and East Yorkshire.”
On April 8, it was Sir Ed Davey’s turn to visit Hull. The Liberal Democrat leader met with Coun Ross and others in Pearson Park as the party launched its local election campaign.
At the event, Sir Ed responded to Reform’s words.
He told the LDRS: “Luke Campbell has been consistent. Consistently useless. Consistently missing in action. Consistently not turning up to meetings with ministers. Consistently not turning up to meetings with local people. People are pretty angry with him.”
The Lib Dem leader also touched on Mr Farage’s words which triggered the row. “Nigel Farage hasn’t got a clue what’s happening in Hull,” adding “and his comments show that.”
Mr Campbell’s office was given the opportunity to respond directly to the claims made by Sir Ed regarding the Mayor “turning up to meetings.” The query was not perceived to be relating to the work of the Combined Authority.