Speculation regarding a political defection to the Labour Party has been strongly dismissed by the Reform Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, who insists his focus remains entirely on delivering for local residents.
Speculation regarding a political defection to the Labour Party has been strongly dismissed by the Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire.
Luke Campbell, who was elected as a Reform UK mayor in May 2025 to lead the new combined authority, has underlined his firm commitment to his current party.
Defection rumours were allegedly started to cause disruption during the recent Reform UK conference held in Birmingham last week, according to the Mayor.
National newspaper reports recently suggested that several unnamed sources had placed Mr Campbell on a 'defection watch'.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly an admirer of the Mayor and is said to be keen on winning over the combined authority leader to the Labour Party.
A willingness to work across party lines for the benefit of local people across East Yorkshire may have been misunderstood by the political establishment, according to the Mayor.
Mr Campbell said:
"I have not had any conversations with any other party about defection. I am a Reform mayor. I don't know where these rumours have come from and there is no basis for them."
Despite the national speculation, political change is already being seen locally, with Hull City Council now featuring ten new Reform councillors following the May elections.
Cross-party cooperation remains a priority for the combined authority leader, who expressed his willingness to work alongside the new Labour Prime Minister, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, to achieve results for the region.
Mr Campbell explained:
"Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants to work cross-party to get results for the public. I am happy with that statement and have been positive with the Prime Minister when I have seen him because, for me, it's people and place before the party. Maybe the Prime Minister and the Labour Party have confused this as being something different?"
The timing of the rumours has also been heavily questioned by the Mayor, who believes the political rumour mill went into overdrive specifically because of the party conference.
Mr Campbell added:
"I stood for this role because I want to help make a difference to the residents of Hull and East Yorkshire. I was elected as a Reform mayor and believe that the people of Hull and East Yorkshire want a change that neither the Tories nor Labour can provide. The May elections showed this where we now have ten new Reform councillors. Announcing this non-story is just the left-wing press's way of trying to disrupt the Reform Conference."
A series of announcements for local communities are expected in the coming months, as the combined authority focuses on utilising its devolved powers.
The authority holds significant responsibility over skills, transport, planning, and economic development for the region, alongside controlling an annual investment fund of £13.3 million.
Mr Campbell stated:
"I said to the public that this year will be all about delivery. Imminently there will be some announcements that hopefully will start to show the public I am listening to them and starting to make some positive progress. This role isn't about me, it's about working for the residents."
The Mayor secured his position as the first leader of the new combined authority with 35.8 per cent of the vote, having been elected by local people to lead the region.
Before entering politics to deliver change for Hull and East Yorkshire, he enjoyed a highly successful boxing career, competing for St. Paul's Amateur Boxing Club in Hull.
His amateur achievements include winning the English senior ABA bantamweight title, securing gold at the 2008 European Championships, and taking silver at the 2011 World Championships.
The pinnacle of his amateur sporting career came with a gold medal victory at the London 2012 Olympics.
Known by the nickname 'Cool Hand', he later competed as a professional boxer between 2013 and 2021, winning 20 of his 24 fights, with 16 of those victories achieved by knockout.
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