Reform UK's Luke Campbell has made history by being elected the first mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire, a significant milestone for both him and his party. The former boxer and Olympic gold medallist triumphed in the mayoral election held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, securing 48,491 votes, which accounted for 35.82% of the total votes cast. Campbell's victory came with a comfortable lead over Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Ross, who garnered 37,510 votes, placing him 10,981 votes behind Campbell.
Speaking after his election, Campbell expressed his gratitude and commitment to the region, stating he was "truly humbled and honoured" to have received the support of the voters. He emphasized his intention to prioritize the needs of the community, saying, "The reason I stood for this role is simple, to put the people first in this region. That commitment starts now. I promise I will not let you down." He urged those who did not vote for him to give him a chance, vowing to work hard to earn their trust.
The turnout for the election was reported at 29.9%, with a total of 135,703 votes cast across Hull and East Yorkshire. Following Campbell in the results were Conservative candidate Anne Handley, who received 21,393 votes, and Labour's Margaret Pinder, who secured 18,568 votes. Green Party candidate Kerry Harrison received 5,049 votes, while Rowan Halstead from the Yorkshire Party garnered 4,372 votes.
As the newly elected mayor, Campbell will serve a four-year term and will represent more than 610,000 residents in the region. His responsibilities will include overseeing the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA), which was established following a devolution deal approved by the government in September 2024. This deal aims to enhance local governance and economic development in the area.
Campbell's election is seen as part of a broader trend of Reform UK making significant inroads in local elections, having also won several council seats across the country, including Greater Lincolnshire. The party's deputy leader, Richard Tice, praised Campbell's victory, stating, "He'll have a common sense approach to bringing people together and a bullish vision for Hull and East Yorkshire." Tice highlighted Campbell's background in boxing, noting the qualities of courage and tenacity that he brings to his new role.
Despite his lack of political experience, Campbell believes this could be an advantage. He remarked, "I'm coming into this as a member of our community and I want to put people first." However, some critics, including Mike Ross, have expressed skepticism about Campbell's readiness for the role, pointing out his inexperience. Ross stated, "My views are that he's an incredibly inexperienced person that's been elected into the role, and our job as the leadership of the council is to hold him to account for the promises he's made to the public."
In addition to addressing local concerns, Campbell has indicated that he will advocate for increased funding for the region. He criticized the £13.3 million allocated to the HEYCA, calling it insufficient. "I will be going to London to demand more for our region – £13.3m is nothing and won't go anywhere," he asserted.
The newly elected mayor will officially take office on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with a formal ceremony to mark the occasion. As head of the combined authority, Campbell will have the power to make decisions on critical issues such as housing, public transport, infrastructure, economic development, and business regeneration. Mark Rogers, the interim chief executive of HEYCA, expressed enthusiasm about Campbell's election, stating, "The election of the first mayor means that the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority is now fully established. Our team will support the mayor during this exciting time as we work to grow the fortunes of this region and the people who live and work here."
Campbell's victory is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of changing political dynamics in the region, as voters appear to be seeking alternatives to traditional parties. His background as an Olympic champion and successful businessman may resonate with constituents who feel overlooked by established politicians. As he embarks on this new journey, Campbell faces the challenge of translating his sporting success into effective governance, aiming to fulfill the expectations of those who have placed their trust in him.
In a joint statement, Hull's three Labour MPs congratulated Campbell on his election. They expressed their commitment to working collaboratively across party lines to enhance the lives of constituents and promote economic growth in the region. They emphasized the importance of securing private investment in green energy and net-zero initiatives around the Humber, aiming to unlock the potential £15 billion investment that could significantly benefit the area.
Certainly, Campbell's election marks a new chapter in Hull and East Yorkshire's political landscape. As he prepares to take on the responsibilities of mayor, the eyes of the community will be on him to see if he can deliver on his promises and make a meaningful impact in the lives of the people he has pledged to serve.
