Council leader calls on Mayor Campbell to step aside during police investigation

UNDER INVESTIGATION: Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA)

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

The leader of Hull City Council has called on Luke Campbell to step aside as Mayor while allegations about his conduct are investigated by the police.

It follows reports over the weekend that Mayor Campbell is under investigation over allegations he showed a female member of staff at Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) “naked and sexualised” images of himself.

The Observer reported that Mayor Campbell has been interviewed under caution by Humberside Police. He has not been arrested or charged, and denies the allegations.

Councillor Mike Ross, who sits on the HEYCA Executive Board alongside Mayor Campbell, told The Hull Story: “We’ve seen some incredibly serious allegations come out. In most walks of life, when someone is the subject of investigations such as this, they would be suspended. I don’t see why it should be any different in this case.

“That doesn’t in any way make an assumption of guilt but it’s the standard process in the vast majority of workplaces. No-one should be seen to be above those processes.

“Reform UK should suspend his party membership and, as Mayor, I think he should step aside during the investigation.”

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of the Labour Group at Hull City Council, said: “These allegations are deeply concerning, and speak to a clear internal culture problem at the combined authority on the Mayor’s watch.

“This isn’t just gossip, it speaks to a failure by the Mayor to take these issues seriously. The combined authority was a chance to show leadership and boost Hull’s economy, but instead it’s been mired in controversy.”

A spokesperson for HEYCA said: “We recognise the seriousness of the matters reported and understand the concern they have caused among our staff, partners and the wider public.

‘INCREDIBLY SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS’: Hull City Council leader Mike Ross

“The combined authority has established procedures for handling complaints about members and officers, which must be conducted fairly and independently.

“With a police investigation ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further on individual allegations or speculate about the outcome. 

“The Mayor firmly denies the allegations. 

“Our work continues, as does our commitment to supporting our colleagues and working with partners across Hull and East Yorkshire. We have important responsibilities to the residents and businesses of our region and remain focused on delivering them.”

The Hull Story has also approached Mayor Campbell and Reform UK for a response to Coun Ross’s comments.

In a previous statement, Reform UK said: “Luke firmly denies the allegations. They come from a disgruntled employee attempting to leverage a settlement in a meritless workplace dispute.”