Luke Campbell, the Reform UK elected mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, is the subject of a police investigation following allegations that he shared explicit images of himself with a member of staff. BBC News reported the investigation, which centres on claims involving a female employee at the combined authority.
A spokesperson for Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a statement. The authority confirmed it has established procedures for handling complaints about members and officers, with any process to be conducted fairly and independently. Campbell, a former Olympic gold medallist boxer elected in May 2025, has firmly denied all allegations through both his representatives and Reform UK.
According to reporting from The Observer, the woman alleges Campbell displayed four naked and sexualised images at his desk, with a witness reportedly observing him and two male colleagues directing her toward a laptop showing a naked man. The woman further claims that approximately three weeks after the alleged incident, she was informed during an eight-minute Teams call that a permanent employment offer had been withdrawn.
Humberside Police confirmed they are conducting enquiries after receiving a report of cyberflashing in May 2026; no arrest or charge had been made as of mid-October.
What are the political responses?
Opposition figures have called for Campbell to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation. Mike Ross, Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council and runner-up in last year's mayoral election, stated that in comparable circumstances, a person in Campbell's position would typically be asked to stand aside while an investigation proceeds. Anne Handley, Conservative leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Campbell should temporarily remove himself from office to protect both himself and the authority.
What is Reform UK's position?
Reform UK has rejected the allegations entirely. In a statement, the party characterised the complaint as originating from a disgruntled employee attempting to leverage a settlement in what it describes as a meritless workplace dispute. Reform UK member Nadine Dorries claimed the image in question was from a 2013 magazine cover featuring Campbell, though this claim was not confirmed in available reporting.
What is the background to these allegations?
Campbell posed for Gay Times magazine after winning Olympic gold in 2012, with the magazine cover reportedly shown in the office during the alleged incident. Earlier reporting has documented departing staff alleging a toxic working environment during Campbell's tenure as mayor, providing context to the current investigation.
What happens next?
Both an employment tribunal complaint and the combined authority's internal grievance procedure remain ongoing. No hearing date or police decision has been reported to date, meaning the investigation and related processes are expected to continue over the coming weeks and months.
