ALLEGATIONS: Reform UK Mayor Luke Campbell
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A member of the executive board at Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) has published an unanswered letter to the authority’s interim chief executive calling for an “urgent strategic briefing” on the reported police investigation involving Mayor Luke Campbell and related workplace allegations.
The letter, written by Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison, was sent to HEYCA’s interim chief executive Alan Menzies on October 22. It has not been acknowledged or replied to. A reminder was sent yesterday.
The letter is supported by fellow board members Hull City Council leader Councillor Mike Ross and East Riding Council leader Councillor Anne Handley.
It concerns HEYCA’s response to reporting by The Observer which revealed Mr Campbell, the Reform UK Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, was the subject of a police investigation into alleged harassment over claims he showed a female member of the authority’s staff “naked and sexualised” images of himself.
Mayor Campbell has not been arrested or charged over the allegations and denies them.
Last weekend The Observer reported on further allegations of bullying, intimidation, threats of physical violence, racist abuse, homophobia, breaches of confidentiality and failures to provide a safe working environment involving staff at the authority.
Mr Evison said: “On October 22, I wrote privately to the Interim Chief Executive requesting an urgent strategic briefing. I expected, at the very least, an acknowledgment and an indication of when board members would be properly briefed. That has not happened.
“This is not an attempt to determine the truth of the allegations. That is the responsibility of the police and the relevant independent processes. It is about whether the Combined Authority is responding with the governance, independence, transparency and care that the situation requires.
LETTER: Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison
“The presumption of innocence must be respected, but due process does not prevent the Executive Board from seeking assurance that the Mayor, complainants, witnesses, whistleblowers and staff are being protected; that evidence is being preserved; that conflicts of interest are being managed; and that anyone mentioned in allegations is appropriately separated from decisions or investigations in which they may have an interest.
“Board members also need to understand why the Mayor has not stepped aside temporarily, what risk assessment and legal advice support the present arrangements, and what options have been considered to protect everyone involved.”
The letter asks for a comprehensive briefing covering 11 issues, including “The Mayor’s continued role”. On this, it says: “Please explain why the Mayor has not stepped aside temporarily, whether he has been asked to do so, and what legal advice and documented risk assessment underpin the current arrangements.”
The areas are:
The governance and oversight arrangements that have been activated;
The independence and terms of reference of any internal or external investigations;
Protection and support for complainants, witnesses, whistleblowers and staff;
The position of other officers who may be named in allegations or required as witnesses;
The HR, grievance, disciplinary, whistleblowing and dignity-at-work procedures being applied;
The reasons why the Mayor has not stepped aside and what interim safeguards have been considered;
The preservation of evidence and coordination with Humberside Police;
The engagement, purpose, authorisation and cost of external legal, media and communications advisers, including the reported engagement of King’s Counsel;
Leadership continuity and the Authority’s organisational, employment and financial risks;
The protection of economic confidence and relationships with businesses, investors, government and regional partners; and
Arrangements for reporting progress to board members and, where lawful, to the public.
Mr Evison continued: “The Combined Authority is responsible for major public investment and for promoting confidence in Hull and East Yorkshire. Continuing uncertainty, combined with a lack of information for those charged with scrutinising the Authority, risks damaging trust among staff, residents, businesses, investors, partners and government.
“Silence is not an adequate governance response. Board members must be given sufficient information to carry out their responsibilities, ask appropriate questions and provide assurance to the public.
“I remain ready to engage constructively with the Interim Chief Executive and the Authority. However, in the absence of a response, I believe the original letter should now be placed on the public record.”
A copy of the letter is being sent to MPs representing Hull and East Yorkshire, and the Minister responsible for Local Government.
Coun Ross has previously called on Mayor Campbell to step aside during the police investigation.
This week, the two council called for an urgent meeting with Local Government Minister Jim McMahon, saying they have serious concerns over the direction and leadership of the authority.
A scheduled meeting of the HEYCA executive board due to be held today has been cancelled after members were told there was a “lack of business” to discuss.
Although it is the main decision-making committee at the authority, the board has only met four times since early May. One of those meetings lasted just 20 minutes.
Mr Menzies and HEYCA have been asked to comment.