A factual statement regarding my separation, the subsequent police investigation and some personal matters.
I'd like to make this personal statement available. I don't intend to share it widely, but it's here for people who know something of what has happened and have asked me questions.
I have deliberately kept the breakdown of my marriage, disagreements within our family and the subsequent legal matters private.
However, some people know that I was arrested and placed on police bail without necessarily knowing what happened before or afterwards. I think it is reasonable for me to clarify the facts.
Lisa and I separated in February after 22 years together.
Those 22 years included good times, difficult times and periods when Lisa experienced a variety of significant health problems.
Throughout our relationship, I spent a considerable amount of time caring for and supporting Lisa through those health difficulties. That was part of our life together for many years and something that people close to us will be aware of.
Our relationship has now ended, but that does not mean I have stopped caring about her wellbeing or wishing the best for her.
I have recently been provided, through Lisa's solicitor, with information from her clinician regarding her health. I found the information I received encouraging and sincerely hope that Lisa makes a full recovery.
Like many relationship breakdowns, our separation has been difficult and there has been conflict within the wider family.
There was a short period when I requested boundaries around people attending my home because I was concerned about further conflict at the property.
This resulted in a brief delay in Lisa receiving some of her belongings. That situation was resolved quickly.
Lisa's belongings were packed and provided to her. Additional items requested subsequently have also been provided promptly on several occasions.
If anything belonging to Lisa remains here that she wants returned, that offer remains open.
As matters developed, I made a legal application of my own.
Paperwork relating to that application was issued. Two days later, I was arrested following allegations that had been made and was subsequently placed on police bail while those allegations were investigated.
I am aware that my arrest, and particularly the manner in which it took place, was visible to other people.
I can understand why that may have caused people to draw conclusions about what had happened.
I have now been informed by the police that I have been released with no further action.
That is the outcome of the police investigation.
I am deliberately not publishing the allegations, private messages, evidence or details of the separate legal proceedings.
Those matters involve other people as well as me, and I don't believe a public website is the appropriate place to conduct a family dispute.
There is one other subject that I am happy to address directly, as there have been comments and rumours about my cannabis use.
Yes, I use cannabis.
What is sometimes missing when that is repeated is that I am legally prescribed medical cannabis and have been since early 2025.
I have been diagnosed with ADHD and have also experienced anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for a significant portion of my life.
Cannabis-based medicines have been available legally on prescription in the UK for several years.
In my case, medical cannabis helps me regulate my symptoms and has had a significant positive effect on my wellbeing.
I do not respond well to all of the pharmaceutical alternatives available to me.
Like many people managing their own health, I have had to make informed choices about what works best for me. Medical cannabis is one of those choices.
During this year, I also explored taking a significant break from cannabis use. My experience during that period was very negative and reinforced for me the difference that my prescribed treatment makes.
My clients, professional circles, friends and the family members who matter to me have been very supportive.
I use medical cannabis under medical supervision and in accordance with my prescription.
I'm not ashamed of using prescribed medication that works for me, and I don't believe it is something I need to hide.
The breakdown of a relationship lasting 22 years is complicated. There has been hurt, disagreement and conflict.
I don't claim that I have handled every moment of the last few months perfectly.
What I will not do is publicly attack Lisa or other members of my family.
I haven't spent the last few months telling people my version of events, sharing private information or trying to persuade people to take sides.
Whatever has happened between us, I don't wish Lisa any harm.
I hope we can now both move forward separately.
I don't intend to say anything further publicly.
Ady Howes
7 October 2026