Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and MP for Clacton, is set to visit Hull on Thursday, 27th February, for a major rally at the Connexin Live Centre. The event, starting at 7 pm, will see Mr Farage announce Reform UK’s candidate for the first-ever Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Election, taking place on 1st May.
Mr Farage has described the upcoming election as a turning point for voters in the region, stating:
“With elections across England, including Hull, on 1st May, we are now Britain’s most popular party, and it’s clear that something historic is happening. The Labour and Conservative parties have betrayed voters’ trust.”
Reform UK has been gaining significant momentum across the country, recently topping a Sky News/YouGov poll for the first time. The poll suggests that one in five former Conservative voters now back Reform UK, a trend that is causing concern among other parties.
Locally, the growing support for Mr Farage’s party is making some of the other Mayoral candidates nervous about what it could mean for their vote share. With traditional Labour and Conservative strongholds now facing a challenge from Reform UK, the race for Hull and East Yorkshire’s first elected mayor is shaping up to be more unpredictable than ever.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Election is set to be a highly contested race, with Reform UK’s yet-to-be-announced candidate competing against well-known local figures, including:
- Anne Handley (Conservative Party) – Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
- Margaret Pinder (Labour Party) – Former Mayor of Beverley.
- Michael James Ross (Liberal Democrats) – Leader of Hull City Council.
- Kerry Harrison (Green Party) – A community activist and environmental campaigner.
- Rowan Adam Halstead (Yorkshire Party) – Representing regionalist policies for Yorkshire.
With the Conservatives struggling in national polls and Labour looking to defend its core support in Hull, Reform UK’s growing popularity could lead to a major shake-up in the political landscape of the region.
Mr Farage last visited Hull in 2019, as leader of the Brexit Party, where he was met with a strong reception from local supporters. His return is expected to attract a significant crowd, with many eager to hear Reform UK’s plans for Hull and East Yorkshire.
Given his status as a high-profile political figure, as well as his well-documented friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump, demand for tickets is expected to be high.
This rally offers voters a unique opportunity to hear directly from Reform UK’s Mayoral candidate and learn more about the party’s vision for the region.
The newly established Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) will be led by a directly elected mayor, with elections held every four years. The mayor will chair the combined authority cabinet, which includes members from both Hull and East Riding local authorities. This structure enables collaborative decision-making on regional issues such as transport, infrastructure, and economic development. Importantly, the existing councils will remain separate entities, continuing to provide their current services independently.
Tickets are expected to sell out fast. For more details on the election and candidates, visit: Who Can I Vote For?