Hull and East Yorkshire's elected mayor is facing calls to step aside amid a police investigation into claims he showed naked images of himself to a colleague.
Allegations of workplace cyberflashing have triggered a police investigation into the elected mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire.
According to reports in The Observer newspaper, Reform UK mayor Luke Campbell is accused of showing four naked and sexualised images of himself to a senior female officer. The publication states the woman claims she was forced out of her job after the alleged incident took place in a central Hull office in May.
The newspaper reports that the thirty-nine-year-old former Olympic boxer was interviewed under caution by Humberside Police earlier this month, though no arrests or charges have been made. Documents seen by The Observer allege the female officer felt shocked, embarrassed and humiliated after the mayor and male colleagues laughed at her reaction.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has responded to the allegations with a full statement.
A spokesperson for the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority said:
"We recognise the seriousness of the matters reported and understand the concern they have caused among our staff, partners and the wider public.
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 Reform UK party has also issued a response on behalf of the mayor, dismissing the accusations as an employment issue.
A spokesperson for Reform UK said:
"Luke firmly denies the allegations. They come from a disgruntled employee attempting to leverage a settlement in a meritless workplace dispute."
The allegations have prompted calls from local political leaders for the mayor to temporarily step down while the investigation takes place.
The Conservative leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Anne Handley, the Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council, Mike Ross and Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison have all called for the Mayor to sept aside while the investigations take place.
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