Lord Mayor: ‘I didn’t feel safe’
RESIGNED: Councillor Maria Coward
EXCLUSIVE
By Angus Young
Hull’s Lord Mayor says she has no regrets about resigning from the city council’s ruling Liberal Democrat group.
Councillor Maria Coward claims attempts to downplay what she described as “vile behaviour” by some of her colleagues left her with no choice but to quit.
In an exclusive interview with The Hull Story, she said: “Leaving the group just feels like an enormous weight has been lifted.
“I hadn’t been happy about the direction of the group for some time but the actions of certain members made it a whole lot worse.
“I was one of several who submitted formal complaints but the issues weren’t properly dealt with because the people involved are still there.
“I was effectively told not to make a fuss because it would jeopardise the overall position of the administration on the council.
“Reluctantly, I initially did that and I wish I hadn’t. I was even told by one colleague to just get over it.”
A city councillor since 2016, she was elected as Hull’s 113th Lord Mayor in May with the support of the Lib Dems.
Her civic role remains unchanged as every Lord Mayor is traditionally regarded as being a non-political figurehead at the council.
However, she’s now officially an independent councillor after dramatically cutting ties with the largest political group at the Guildhall.
Announcing her decision in a social media post, she said: “I wanted to do this as peacefully and quietly as possible but other peoples’ behaviour towards me has left me with no choice but to now let everyone know.
“It’s not a decision I have made easily but it is the right decision for my health and well-being as well as my family.”
Coun Coward, who represents the Boothferry ward in west Hull, has also resigned from the party. She said some of the behaviour towards her had triggered traumatic personal memories of being a domestic abuse victim.
She said: “The incident took me back to a place I didn’t want to be.
“I’ve worked really hard over the years to put all that behind me but it put me back in therapy.
“As someone who supports the work of the Domestic Abuse Partnership and acts as White Ribbon champion, staying in the same political group as these people was no longer an option for me. It wasn’t a safe place for me.”
She added: “Since I resigned I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve had from other councillors, the local community groups in the ward and, above all, my local residents. People keep stopping me in the street, saying I’ve done the right thing.
“I don’t think I can align myself with a political party again. I just want to be a good ward councillor and a Lord Mayor who wants the very best for Hull and its residents and businesses.”
Lib Dem city council leader Councillor Mike Ross declined to comment on her resignation.
Instead, the Lib Dem group issued a statement in which a spokesperson said: “Our team worked hard to secure Councillor Coward’s re-election in May this year and then nominated her to be Lord Mayor, so we were surprised and saddened to discover that she had decided to leave.
“We met with her to understand first-hand any concerns she wanted to raise.
“We hope to have a professional and constructive relationship with her in her Mayoral role going forward.”
Coun Coward’s resignation has left the Lib Dem group with 25 seats at the Guildhall. Labour has 16 and Reform UK has 10. There are now six independents.
The main opposition Labour group at the council called on Coun Ross to address the “serious concerns” raised by Coun Coward “as a matter of urgency”.
Deputy Labour group leader Councillor Sharon Hofman said: “The issues which Maria has raised about the culture of the Liberal Democrats in Hull are really concerning.
“No woman in politics should have to experience this kind of treatment.”
THE HULL STORY COMMENT
It is a moment of sadness and alarm that the Lord Mayor of Hull has left the Liberal Democrats and its group on the city council because she no longer feels safe.
This is particularly concerning as she is a survivor of domestic abuse, a champion of the White Ribbon campaign – which aims to prevent violence against women and girls – and a supporter of the local Domestic Abuse Partnership.
The primary concern must be for Councillor Maria Coward’s health and well-being, and it is hoped she now receives any and every support she needs. Coun Coward is to be commended for having the courage to speak out, and for making what must have been a difficult decision to resign her membership.
Her allegations of “vile behaviour” – in other words, abuse – by party colleagues are shocking and must now be fully investigated. It is also concerning that Coun Coward says her formal complaint was not appropriately handled. This is particularly grave if, as she suggests, her case was handled the way she says it was for reasons of political expediency.
The local party must know that its reputation on this important issue is now at stake. After all, if it cannot provide and ensure a safe environment for its own members, how can it be trusted to help deliver this for all residents while running the council?
The Lib Dems’ handling of Coun Coward’s complaint, and its complaints policy and procedure, should now be reviewed with a commitment to make those findings public. Perhaps the best way of ensuring this is done fairly and robustly is for it to be conducted independently. That would go some way to restoring public trust.
In the meantime, it is hoped the mayor can put this episode behind her and enjoy the remainder of her time in office, and that her courage in speaking out will empower others to challenge bad behaviour, whatever their position or role.