Hull Forward: Leadership, Infrastructure, and Inclusive Growth – Insights from Leader, Councillor Mike Ross

Hull Forward: Leadership, Infrastructure, and Inclusive Growth – Insights from Leader, Councillor Mike Ross

Author: Matt Masters November 12, 2025 Duration: 20:23

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters sits down with Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, to explore the city’s ambitious plans for infrastructure, regeneration, and inclusive growth. Mike shares his personal journey into politics, the values that guide his leadership, and the council’s vision for a “cleaner, safer and fairer” Hull.

Listeners will hear about:

  • Hull’s £42 million infrastructure investment plan and the push for government support
  • Key regeneration projects transforming the city’s public spaces and connectivity
  • Cultural investment and how Hull is building on its legacy as UK City of Culture
  • The challenges of leading a city with unique geographical and financial pressures
  • Mike’s reflections on the mayoral campaign and the future of devolution in East Yorkshire

This episode offers a candid look at civic leadership, strategic planning, and the power of place-based transformation. Whether you're a local government professional, a Hull resident, or simply curious about how cities evolve, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.


Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at your city hall or county office? Truth about Local Government pulls back the curtain, offering a clear-eyed look at the systems and people that manage our communities every single day. Hosted by seasoned professional Matt Masters, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the practical, often unspoken realities of public service. Each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by those in the trenches, from budgeting and infrastructure to community engagement and policy implementation. It’s a space dedicated to the growth and development of local government professionals, but it’s equally valuable for any curious citizen who wants to understand how their neighborhood actually functions. You’ll hear candid conversations that blend experience with actionable insights, all aimed at fostering better leadership and more effective governance. Tune in for a straightforward discussion that replaces jargon with clarity and passion, revealing the human impact of decisions made close to home. This is where the abstract becomes concrete, and where dedicated public servants find a resource for honest reflection and professional development.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Truth about Local Government
Podcast Episodes
Unlocking Local Potential – Skills Reform and Systemic Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:25
In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, about their latest report, Guarantee of Potential. The conversation explores how the UK can reform its skills system by adopting a whol…
Smarter Outcomes: Rethinking Value in Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
In this episode of Smarter Outcomes, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore a transformative idea in public service delivery: achieving better outcomes at lower cost. With local government…
Beyond Safe and Legal: Rethinking Local Government Reorganisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:57
In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, to unpack the deeper truths behind Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Too often, LGR is treated as a technical exercise, focus…
More Than a Tick Box: Rethinking Corporate Responsibility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:15
In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Natasha Whiles to explore the real meaning of Corporate Responsibility (CR) and why it’s far more than a tick-box exercise. Natasha shares her insights on how CR has evolve…