Lib Dem leader launches Hull election campaign
BBCThe Liberal Democrat leader said the battle for power in Hull would see a straight fight between his party and Reform UK.
Sir Ed Davey visited the city to launch the Lib Dems' local election campaign with one month to go until polling day.
Flanked by party activists, Sir Ed was pictured playing chess with Hull City Council leader Mike Ross in Pearson Park.
In recent years, local elections in Hull have been seen as a two-horse race between Labour and the Liberal Democrats, but Sir Ed claimed this year would be different.
"The Labour vote is collapsing and it's turning out to be a fight between the Liberal Democrats and Reform here in Hull," he said.
Taking aim at Nigel Farage's party, Sir Ed added: "People have been very disappointed in the Reform mayor who's frankly missing in action. He's done nothing for the region."
That accusation, levelled at the elected mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell, was rejected by Farage on a recent visit to Hull.
The Lib Dem leader also accused Reform UK of not doing enough to tackle the economic impact of the war in Iran.
"Nigel Farage backs Donald Trump left right and centre. He would have taken Britain into this war. He should take some responsibility for the high petrol prices people are paying and higher mortgage costs," he claimed.
Unlike some other local authorities which are holding "all-out" elections this year, voters in Hull will elect one third of councillors on 7 May.
Nineteen of the city's 57 wards will be up for grabs.
Before the local election campaign began, the Liberal Democrats held a slender one seat majority on the city council.
Hull has been Liberal Democrat controlled since 2022 following more than a decade of Labour rule.
No elections will take place in the Ings and Kingswood wards.
A full list of candidates will be available on the Hull City Council website after nominations close.
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