‘We were deeply saddened to lose Maria’: Lib Dems respond to Lord Mayor’s claims

CONTROVERSY: Lord Mayor Maria Coward

By Rick Lyon and Angus Young

Hull’s Liberal Democrat leadership has issued a detailed response to allegations made by Lord Mayor Maria Coward following her dramatic resignation from the party.

Their response comes after Coun Coward told The Hull Story she had quit the ruling Lib Dem group because she no longer felt safe within it.

Council leader Mike Ross and his deputy Jackie Dad say an incident raised by Councillor Coward was reviewed by the regional Lib Dems and an apology was issued.

The Boothferry ward councillor, who was elected as Hull’s 113th Lord Mayor in May, claimed attempts had been made to downplay what she described as “vile behaviour” by some colleagues.

She said she had been unhappy with the direction of the group for some time, but that the actions of certain members had made the situation significantly worse.

Coun Coward, a survivor of domestic abuse who supports the work of the Domestic Abuse Partnership and is a White Ribbon champion, said one incident had triggered traumatic personal memories and resulted in her returning to therapy.

The group initially responded to Coun Coward’s resignation with a brief statement saying they were “surprised and saddened” by her decision and hoped to maintain a professional and constructive relationship with her in her mayoral role.

They have now provided a fuller response to the issues she raised.

In a joint statement, Councillor Ross and Councillor Dad said: “We were both deeply saddened to lose Maria from the team. Just recently, we were celebrating her re-election to the council, and we were happy to put her forward as the Lib Dem nominee for Lord Mayor.

“Maria has made allegations about two separate events.

“One relates to an argument that occurred in May 2025. This was fully reviewed, first by the Hull Lib Dem Group and subsequently, at our request, by the Regional Liberal Democrats for a fully external independent review.

“That independent review concluded that an apology from a group member was needed. This was made, and was accepted by the group. All of this occurred before Maria chose to stand for re-election as a Lib Dem candidate.

“The second event relates to Maria’s opinions on a personal matter for a different colleague. This is an entirely personal matter not related to the Lib Dems or Hull City Council, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment.

“We have always supported and will always support and encourage anyone with serious allegations to come forward so they can be investigated under whichever independent body is most appropriate.

“We met with Maria to see how we could support her and work with her. Maria instead took the decision to leave the Liberal Democrats.

“We’ve known Maria for many years, and she was a valued member. We hope she is getting the support she needs at this difficult time for her.

“We wish her well in her year as the Lord Mayor.”

According to the Lib Dems, Coun Coward did not accept how the May 2025 incident had been handled internally, which resulted in Coun Ross asking the regional group to review.

Following this review, a group member emailed an apology to the whole Hull group, including Coun Coward.

Coun Coward subsequently secured selection as a Lib Dem candidate for this year’s local elections and was re-elected in Boothferry in May. She was also put forward as the nominee for Lord Mayor.

Coun Coward’s decision to leave means she now sits as an independent councillor, although her position as Lord Mayor is unaffected because the civic role is traditionally regarded as non-political.

Her two Boothferry ward colleagues, Councillors Jack Haines and Alison Collinson, have also issued a joint statement.

They said: “We were sorry to see Maria leave after working with her for many years as an effective Lib Dem team for Boothferry Ward.

“Even though she has chosen to sit as an independent, we will continue to work all year round with Maria to deliver positive change for local residents.”

Replying to the Lib Dem statements, Coun Coward said: “I’m happy I have left the group and am going from strength to strength not being around them all.

“It’s time for me to move on and get on with my life and not worry about what they say or think anymore.”