Luke Campbell wins mayoral election for Reform UK
PUGILIST TURNED POLITICIAN: Luke Campbell celebrates his victory
By Angus Young
Luke Campbell says he is “truly humbled and honoured” to be Hull and East Yorkshire’s first elected mayor.
The former professional boxer defeated established political rivals in a landmark victory for his party, Reform UK.
Having declared he wasn’t a politician during the election campaign, he is now responsible for leading the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) with a remit to drive economic development across the region.
He will also oversee initial annual spending of around £60m.
After Reform UK wins overnight in the Runcorn parliamentary by-election and the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election, it quickly became clear as the count started that Campbell was on course to deliver a hat-trick.
He eventually polled 48,491 votes, winning the popular vote in both council areas.
Speaking after the result was declared, he said: “I would like to thank the people of Hull and East Yorkshire for putting their trust and faith in me.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be elected to represent you.
“The reason I stood for this role was two-fold – to put the people and this region first. That commitment starts now and I promise I will not let you down.
“To everyone who voted for me and Reform UK I would like to say ‘thank you’ and for those that didn’t I ask you to give me a chance.
“I will work hard to earn your trust and do right by every single person in this community.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Ross finished second with 37,510 votes.
WINNER: Luke Campbell arriving at the count with Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice
He said: “I am very disappointed as my team worked tremendously hard. I believe I ran a very positive campaign and my only wish was to be able to help Hull and East Yorkshire improve as a region. I really hope that will still be possible.”
Conservative candidate Anne Handley finished third with 21,393 votes.
She said: “It wasn’t to be but I am proud to have personally pushed for the devolution deal in the first place and being able to get it over the line.”
In a statement after the result was announced, Mark Rogers, HEYCA interim chief executive and head of paid service, said: “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.
“The mayor has responsibilities for transport, housing and skills, and will also be that visible figure banging at Westminster’s door and shouting about this part of the world.
“We’ve been hard at work preparing for the mayor’s appointment and will be doing everything we can to enable him to hit the ground running and champion the area nationally and internationally.”
Campbell’s official period in office will start on Tuesday, May 6, with a ceremony due to be held for the signing of the formal acceptance of office document.
The results are:
Luke Campbell (Reform UK); 48,491
Mike Ross (Liberal Democrat): 37,510
Anne Handley: (Conservative): 21,393
Margaret Pinder (Labour): 18,568
Kerry Harrison (Green): 5,049
Rowan Halstead (Yorkshire Party): 4,372.
Turnout was 29.8 per cent.