Hull Council Rejects John Prescott Statue Over Cost Concerns

Plans to erect a statue honoring Lord John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister and long-serving MP for Hull East, have been rejected by Hull City Council due to concerns over the projected cost exceeding £150,000. The motion, proposed by independent councillor Julia Conner and seconded by Labour councillor Patrick Wilkinson, aimed to fund the statue from the council leader's capital budget but resulted in a 26-26 tie, with the Lord Mayor casting the deciding vote against it. Council leader Mike Ross acknowledged Prescott's significance but questioned the appropriateness of the expenditure given the current economic climate, suggesting alternative ways to commemorate him. Prescott, who served in politics for four decades and was celebrated as a 'working-class hero' by figures including former PMs Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as well as current Labour leader Keir Starmer, was known for his impactful presence and memorable moments such as punching a protester during the 2001 election campaign. Some council members criticized the rejection as mean-spirited, emphasizing Prescott's symbolic association with Hull, while others maintained fiscal responsibility should guide such decisions. The debate reflects ongoing tensions about how best to honor prominent local political figures without imposing excessive costs on taxpayers.