Hull was seen as one of the key contests in the 2002 local elections with the Liberal Democrats seen as the main challengers to Labour.[3] Labour had run Hull continuously since 1945, apart from a brief period from 1969 to 1971 when the Conservatives had taken control, but they were seen as vulnerable in this election.[3] As well as the Liberal Democrats, who with 10 seats were the main opposition before the election, the Conservatives stood in 31 of the 59 seats that were being contested.[3] Divisions within the local Labour party also meant some councillors stood in the election as independents.[3]
The Labour administration received criticism from the opposition and by the district auditor for the poor quality of services provided in Hull.[3] The opposition also attacked Labour for their use of the £255 million recently gained by Hull council after the part sale of Kingston Communications.[3]
Election result
The results saw the Liberal Democrats become the largest party on the council with Labour falling from 44 seats before the election to only 24 afterwards.[4]