Reform UK mayor investigated over naked photo claims

Reform UK's Hull and East Yorkshire elected mayor Luke Campbell is under police investigation for allegedly sharing naked images of himself.

A spokesperson for Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) said: "The mayor firmly denies the allegations.

"We recognise the seriousness of the matters reported and understand the concern they have caused among our staff, partners and the wider public.

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

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

According to The Observer newspaper, external, the Reform UK mayor and former Olympic gold medallist boxer is accused of allegedly showing naked pictures of himself to a female member of staff.

Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council Mike Ross, who came second in the mayoral election last year, said that Campbell should "stand aside" during the investigation.

"I'm saying if there's an investigation taking place at the moment in any other circumstances a person in that position would be asked to stand aside while that was taking place," he said.

"And certainly if that is something that should be happening now then I believe that would be the right course of action."

Conservative leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council Anne Handley said: "I think to look after the mayor, to look after himself, I think the best thing he could do was to just stand aside for now just until the investigation comes to a conclusion."

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, Conservative Jonathan Evison, also called for Campbell to step aside.

"I believe anyone in public office facing allegations of this nature should step aside while an investigation is concluded," he said.

"This is a matter of accountability and public trust, and it is essential that the appropriate authorities can carry out their work without interference.

"We must also respect due process and avoid reaching conclusions before the facts are established."

In a 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."