Party leaders round on Hudson over AI image row

Why it matters: Hudson was removed as cabinet member for highways, passenger transport and transport strategy on Tuesday, 3 November, but has not resigned as a councillor and remains a member of the Reform UK group – a point now being seized on by opposition parties.

The details: The image, since deleted, showed fellow cabinet member Cllr June Mummery with enlarged breasts in a low-cut top, alongside text referencing the council's approach to cuts to the school nursing service.

Hudson told Ipswich.co.uk the cartoon was posted on Facebook and X "to emphasise the excellent work Councillor Mummery had achieved in securing 62 nurses' [jobs]", adding that "no offence has been taken by Councillor Mummery and she remains a firm friend and colleague." He described it as "a different angle of promoting both her and the nurses."

But the post has come at a cost after the council leader removed him from his Cabinet position.

What Labour said: Martin Cook, leader of the Labour Group at Suffolk County Council, accused Hadwen of failing to condemn Hudson's conduct.

"The Leader has thanked Cllr Hudson for his service and kept him in the Reform group. He hasn't said that what Cllr Hudson did was wrong," Cook said. "It's a simple question: does Michael Hadwen think posting a fake sexualised image of a female colleague is acceptable from a Reform councillor? Yes or no."

What the Conservatives said: Cllr Debbie McCallum, the Suffolk Conservative Group's shadow spokesperson for communities, backed Hudson's removal but said the matter could not end there.

"Women should be able to take part in politics without facing degrading or disrespectful behaviour. Women have worked hard to secure their place in public life and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," she said.

"We support the decision to remove Cllr Hudson from his Cabinet position. However, this cannot be where the matter ends. The circumstances surrounding the incident should be fully investigated, and appropriate further sanctions should be taken."

McCallum went further, questioning Hudson's position within Reform UK altogether: "If Cllr Hudson is no longer considered fit to serve in the Cabinet, then serious questions must be asked about why he remains a member of the Reform UK Group."

What the Greens said: The Green group, which forms the official opposition at County Hall, had already called for Hudson to resign as a councillor before his removal from cabinet. In a statement issued ahead of Hadwen's decision, deputy leader Annette Dunning said the row "brings Suffolk County Council into disrepute" and said she hoped the leader would "show clear and swift leadership". The Greens maintain Hudson should go further and resign altogether.

The bottom line: A day of cross-party reaction has left Hadwen facing direct questions over whether he views Hudson's conduct as acceptable – and over why Hudson remains in the Reform UK group despite losing his cabinet seat.

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