Hull Road ward Labour councillor, Mick Hoban, makes student homes a priority

Mick Hoban will represent the Hull Road ward on City of York Council after comfortably beating off his rivals to ensure the seat remains in Labour hands.

The 58-year-old father-of-four polled 860 of the 1,468 votes cast and steps into the shoes of former ward member Dr Roger Pierce, who resigned earlier this year due to ill health.

“This great victory is something Labour can build on ahead of next year’s local elections,” said Coun Hoban, a woodland officer for the Forestry Commission.

“The team behind me have been absolutely fantastic and I’m really looking forward to my role. Although it will be a challenge, it will be a worthwhile one, because the residents of the Hull Road ward have put their trust in me and I hope to repay that trust.

“The student housing issue in the ward is a concern for everybody, and while we don’t want to demonise students, we have to rebalance all the aspects. The number of accommodation spaces at the University of York in relation to its development warrants attention.”

Coun Hoban also paid tribute to his predecessor, saying: “It’s good to have somebody like Roger behind me, but I don’t aspire to just fit into his shoes.

“I have my own agenda and priorities, and I believe I can serve the people of Hull Road well.”

Conservative candidate Robin Dickson came second with 296 votes, with Liberal Democrat runner Rachel Williams in third place with 183, although the turnout was only 18.3 per cent.

“Labour achieved a 15 per cent swing from the Lib Dems and a 16 per cent swing from the Conservatives, and the result is a positive indicator for next May’s local elections,” said Labour group leader Coun James Alexander.

“While it’s disappointing more people did not vote, we achieved a larger number of votes than either of our successful Hull Road councillors did when they were elected in 2007. Mick ran a fantastic campaign and I am sure he will be very hard-working for the people of Hull Road.”