In our series profiling the six candidates for Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, we sketch a portrait of Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council and the Liberal Democrat candidate. These aren’t political hit-pieces or gotcha interviews. Instead, we step back from the noise to focus on something more lasting—the person behind the policies. We are unashamedly positive and celebrate our fellow citizens who, despite the compromises politics demands, remain anchored in their values. They’ve chosen to step into the spotlight, to face the crowd, and to offer themselves in the hope of making a difference.
The Listener
Mike Ross isn’t a politician who craves the spotlight. He’s not one for grandstanding or making sweeping promises. Instead, he’s built his career on quiet perseverance, on listening before speaking, and on getting things done. In a world of political theatre, he is the type of leader who prefers real action over rhetoric—less of the show, more of the substance.
For more than two decades, he has been a councillor, serving the people of Hull with a calm determination. Now, as he steps forward in the race to become mayor, he brings with him the same philosophy that has shaped his career: politics isn’t about personal ambition—it’s about making life better for the people who live and work here. And ideally, doing so without making too much of a fuss about it.
Public service in the blood
Mike’s path to politics wasn’t the traditional one. Born and raised in Sussex, he grew up in a household where public service wasn’t just something discussed at election time—it was part of daily life. His father was a GP, his mother a councillor. Politics, debate, and community engagement were woven into his upbringing, meaning he was probably the only teenager on his street who knew what a local by-election was.
Yet, it wasn’t a straight-line journey. He didn’t grow up dreaming of being a politician, and he certainly didn’t plan to stay in Hull when he arrived as a student at the University of Hull. But something about the city struck a chord. “That’s where my love of the region started,” he says. It was the people, the sense of possibility, the feeling that this was a place where things could be changed for the better. Also, the beer wasn’t bad.
“It’s not always about the big speeches—it’s about solving the everyday problems that make people’s lives just a little bit easier.”
That sense of connection turned into action when, at just 21, he stood for election as a councillor. It wasn’t about chasing power; it was about making a difference in the place he now called home. And for over 20 years, that’s exactly what he has done, despite the fact that local politics means getting more emails about potholes than policy.
Not the loudest voice in the room
In an age where political careers are often built on slogans and soundbites, Mike Ross stands out for his understated approach. He isn’t the loudest voice in the room, but he is often the one who gets things done. Those who have worked with him describe him as approachable, pragmatic, and fiercely committed to the people he represents. He’s also known for having a sense of humour that’s drier than a Yorkshire pudding left in the oven too long.
“Helping local residents is the part of the job I enjoy most,” he says. “It’s not always about the big speeches—it’s about solving the everyday problems that make people’s lives just a little bit easier.”
Ashdown
His political inspiration? Paddy Ashdown. “He combined both a sense of humour and leadership all at once,” Mike says. It’s easy to see the parallels. Like Ashdown, Mike believes that politics should be about service, not showmanship. And, like his political hero, he knows that a well-timed joke can sometimes be just as effective as a well-argued policy.
His biggest supporter, however, isn’t a political figure—it’s his wife. “Without her support at home, my life would be impossible,” he admits. Public life is demanding, and the quiet strength of a supportive partner makes all the difference.
Brimming with potential
Ask Mike Ross what excites him most about the prospect of being mayor, and the answer is straightforward: opportunity. He sees Hull and East Riding as a region brimming with potential, a place that has everything needed to thrive—except the right investment and leadership to unlock it.
“Working to improve the economy of the region and seeing what new jobs and businesses we can bring to the area—that’s what excites me most,” he says. He doesn’t want to see young people leaving Hull to find opportunities elsewhere. He wants them to stay, to build careers and futures here, knowing that the region is investing in them. Preferably, without them having to move to Leeds.
Healthcare is another priority. “Using my voice to support improving access to health services in the area is something I feel strongly about,” he says. He knows that for many residents, healthcare isn’t an abstract policy issue—it’s a daily struggle. Long GP waiting times, overstretched hospitals, and mental health services that are difficult to access all contribute to a system that isn’t working well enough. As mayor, he wants to push for better.
Then there are the everyday issues—the ones that don’t make national headlines but have a real impact on quality of life. Better transport. Safer streets. A high street that feels alive rather than empty. He doesn’t pretend that these are easy fixes, but he does believe that small, consistent improvements can make a big difference. Like ensuring there’s always a bus available when you actually need one, rather than just seeing three turn up at once when you don’t.
Blackcurrent juice
Despite his years in politics, Mike Ross remains refreshingly normal. He doesn’t drink coffee, tea, or any hot drinks—his go-to beverage? Blackcurrant squash. “I know, I know,” he laughs. “People think it’s weird.”
His Friday nights are unpredictable—sometimes it’s work, sometimes it’s home with the family. When he does get the chance to unwind, a nice cold beer doesn’t go amiss. And his guilty pleasures? “That would be telling,” he says with a grin.
His driving force is simple: “Wanting to have a better day than the one that went before.” It’s not a grand vision, but it’s an honest one. Politics, for him, isn’t about revolution—it’s about making life better in ways that matter. Ideally, without too much unnecessary fuss.
Getting to work
Mike Ross isn’t running for mayor because he wants a title. He’s running because he believes in this region and its people. He wants to see Hull and East Riding grow, not just in economic terms, but as a place where people feel proud to live. And where the trains actually run on time. If given the chance, he won’t be the loudest mayor. He won’t be the most dramatic. But he will be the one who listens, who gets to work, and who makes a real difference—one step at a time. And with as little nonsense as possible.
We’ll bring you further portraits of other 5 candidates shortly.
Anne Handley – Conservative
Margaret Pinder – Labour
Luke Campbell – Reform UK
Rowan Halstead – Yorkshire Party
Kerry Harrison – Green Party