In our series profiling the candidates for Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, we meet Luke Campbell. Known across the country for his Olympic boxing triumphs, Luke is now stepping into politics with Reform UK. But behind the headlines is a local lad with a deep connection to the people and places he’s always called home. As a reminder these personal profiles aren’t political hit-pieces or gotcha interviews. Instead, we step back from the noise to focus on something more lasting—the person behind the policies. We are unashamedly positive about our subjects and celebrate our fellow citizens who, despite the compromises politics demands, remain anchored in their values. They’ve chosen to step into the spotlight, to face the crowd, and to offer themselves in the hope of making a difference.
Hull & East Yorkshire to the core
Luke grew up in Hull and now lives in East Riding. His background is working-class to the core—his dad was a factory worker, his mum worked in care, helping vulnerable children. He went to Pickering High School, and while many now know him for his boxing, as a kid, he dreamed of becoming a rally driver.
He laughs about it now, but that early drive to push limits never left him. It just found a different vehicle. Instead of a rally car, it was gloves, grit, and the Olympic ring.
The Olympic Moment—and Everything That Came With It
When asked about his proudest moment, there’s no hesitation: winning Olympic gold. That victory at London 2012 didn’t just put Luke on the map—it gave Hull something to shout about. “One of the proudest moments in my life was coming home after the Olympics and seeing all the people that turned out for me,” he says. “This city gave me everything.”
And now, he says, it’s his turn to give something back.
Outside politics, Luke is a family man first. His ideal Friday night is simple: family time. He’s married with children, and his wife runs the family business. His mum, who still works with kids in care, remains one of his biggest supporters. “They keep me grounded,” he says. “They support me in everything I do.”
His interests haven’t drifted far from the ring—he still loves boxing, and keeps close ties with young fighters and local gyms—but he’s also into travel and business. He’s traded training camps for community work and sees inspiring the next generation as one of the most important roles he’s had.
When asked what drives him every day, he gives a one-word answer: “Winning.” But for Luke, winning now means something different—it’s about delivering real results for the community that raised him.
A New Kind of Candidate
Luke is the first to admit he’s not a politician in the traditional sense. “I’m not another career politician,” he says. “I’m connected to the people. I’ve lived the same struggles, and I’ve seen what needs fixing.”
His move into politics came from frustration—watching the country, in his words, “get destroyed by Conservatives and Labour.” He felt that no one was really delivering for places like Hull and East Yorkshire. That frustration has shaped his political worldview—and his campaign.
What He Wants to Change
Luke’s platform is focused on action: investment, jobs, and safer streets. He speaks plainly and doesn’t mince words: “There is so much to fix and I have a plan. Unlike other politicians, I will deliver on what I say I’m going to do. If people want change, they need to vote for it.”
Top of his list is driving investment into the region—particularly to create higher-paid, long-term jobs. He also wants to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, making communities safer for everyone. “The people of this area have supported me throughout my career, and now it’s time for me to give back,” he says.
He believes his ability to connect with people, not politics, is what makes him right for the mayoral role. “Being Mayor is about being real with people, not hiding behind jargon. I’ve built a career on being direct and honest. I’m bringing that same attitude into this.”
A Message for Young People
Luke doesn’t hide his frustration with how politics is failing younger generations. But he’s also hopeful. “Young people have the power to truly change the direction of this area and the country. They just need to vote for it.”
He’s passionate about getting them engaged, not just in this election, but in shaping the future of Hull and East Yorkshire. “Change won’t come from the same voices,” he says. “It comes from choosing something different.”
The Man Behind the Campaign
Luke is Catholic, guided by faith but grounded in action. His sense of humour? “Funny one-liners,” he says, with a grin. He drinks Moretti, prefers cranberry juice when he’s not on the beer, and has never tried to be someone he’s not.
“There is so much to fix and I have a plan. Unlike other politicians, I will deliver on what I say I’m going to do. If people want change, they need to vote for it.”
What you see is what you get: a family man, a fighter, and someone who genuinely wants to give back to the place that gave him his shot.
What’s remarkable about Luke Campbell is that he does not have to do this. As an global sports figure and an Olympian, the benefit for him marginal. Yet here he is, putting himself forward to reach a greater good for his community. The sacrifice for all politicians is more significant than non-politicians realise, but in this context for Luke its far greater than the other candidates. For this he deserves respect.
Luke Campbell isn’t asking voters to put their faith in a polished politician. He’s asking them to believe in someone who’s been where they’ve been, and who believes the only way to change things is to step up and fight for them.
Other candidates:
Anne Handley – Conservative
Mike Ross – Lib Dem
Rowan Halstead – The Yorkshire Party
Margaret Pinder – Labour
Kerry Harrison – Green Party