Reform Mayor Luke Campbell Under Police Investigation for Alleged Misconduct

Luke Campbell, the Reform UK mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA), is under investigation by Humberside Police for allegedly displaying inappropriate images to a senior female staff member. The incident is reported to have occurred in May at an office in central Hull, where Campbell, 39, is accused of calling the employee over to his desk and showing her four 'naked and sexualised images' of himself on a computer.

It is further alleged that the woman's permanent job offer was withdrawn three weeks after the incident. Documents indicate the complainant felt 'shocked, embarrassed and humiliated' by the event, and that Campbell and other male staff members laughed at her reaction. She stated the experience 'violated my dignity.' A witness reportedly corroborated the account.

Campbell, who won a boxing gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games and has been awarded an MBE, denies the allegations. A Reform UK spokesperson stated, 'Luke firmly denies the allegations. They come from a disgruntled employee attempting to leverage a settlement in a meritless workplace dispute.'

Humberside Police confirmed Campbell was interviewed under caution earlier this month. He has not been arrested or charged.

The matter is also subject to internal proceedings within HEYCA, initiated after the alleged victim claimed her job offer was rescinded due to a 'rejection of unwanted sexual contact.' A HEYCA spokesperson commented, 'As with all public authorities, the combined authority has a standards process... and a complaints procedure... The standards process and the complaints procedure must be carried out in a fair and independent manner.'

This investigation follows increasing scrutiny of the Reform party, with an upcoming ITV undercover investigation set to reveal councillors using racist and sexist language. Campbell, who was not previously involved in politics until his election in 2025, had been considered a rising star within the party.

Campbell's office has previously faced controversy. Reports indicated he was in conflict with his staff, who accused him of fostering a 'toxic working environment.' He reportedly demanded the resignation of five staff members in August of the previous year, alleging they were undermining him. He also faced scrutiny over an allegation of attempting to claim first-class train tickets, which Reform UK denied. An independent remuneration panel later clarified he could only claim for standard class travel.

Further workplace disputes have been cited, including Campbell's alleged frustration when his plans to hire political advisers were blocked.