Luke Campbell has been elected as the first Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, stepping into one of the most powerful new regional political roles in decades.
The former Olympic champion, who stood as Reform UK’s candidate, will now lead the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, established under a £400 million devolution deal intended to bring long-term investment and local decision-making to the region.
Turnout across the combined area was low at just 29.8%, with Hull recording 26.4% and East Riding at 32.1%.
Luke ran a campaign focused on community priorities and local pride, but questions have persisted throughout about his readiness for political leadership. Critics have labelled him a “political lightweight”, with no public policy experience and no previous elected office. Even some sympathetic observers have raised concerns about how effectively he will be able to navigate the bureaucracy, budgets, and inter-council negotiations that come with the job.
However shortly after the results where announced, local politicians issued statements offering to work closely with the new Mayor.
Hull MPs Karl Turner, Emma Hardy and Dianna Johnson said jointly on X “Though we represent different parties we share the same goals: to improve the lives of our constituents and help the region thrive”
Luke now inherits a complex mandate, not only to deliver on tangible issues — transport improvements, skills funding, housing development — but also to demonstrate that devolution in East Yorkshire can be made to work. If he fails, it may reinforce scepticism about the entire mayoral model and undermine future investment into the region.
Luke has insisted he is ready for the challenge. Speaking after his win, he pledged to be “a mayor for everyone” and said his focus would be on delivery, not party politics. He now faces the task of assembling a team, setting immediate spending priorities, and establishing a public presence credible enough to reassure voters, council leaders, and Whitehall officials alike.
His first 100 days will be watched closely — not only as a test of his political instincts, but as a litmus test for whether outsider candidates can credibly lead major devolved authorities. Everyone of us has an interest in this success so we wish Luke well as he starts the journey.