From Olympic Ring to Political Office
Former Olympic boxing champion Luke Campbell MBE has been elected the first-ever Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, representing Reform UK in a historic and closely watched race.
Campbell, who made his name in the boxing ring by winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics, secured victory with 48,491 votes, accounting for 35.82% of the total. The official result was declared on Friday afternoon following the count held at Haltemprice Leisure Centre and Hull Guildhall.
Official Election Results
- Luke Campbell – Reform UK: 48,491 votes (35.82%) ✅
- Mike Ross – Liberal Democrats: 37,510 votes (27.71%)
- Anne Handley – Conservative Party: 21,393 votes (15.80%)
- Margaret Elaine Pinder – Labour and Co-operative Party: 18,568 votes (13.71%)
- Kerry Harrison – Green Party: 5,049 votes (3.73%)
- Rowan Halstead – Yorkshire Party: 4,372 votes (3.23%)
🔹 Turnout: 135,703 (29.86%)
🔹 Rejected ballots: 317
Victory Speech: “Now It’s Time to Deliver”
Delivering his acceptance speech moments after the result, Luke Campbell thanked supporters and pledged to lead with integrity and action:
“Thank you so much to the people of Hull and East for putting your trust and faith in me. I am truly humbled and honored to have been elected to represent you. The reason I stood for this role was simple: to put the people first in this region. That commitment starts now.”
“I promise I will not let you down. To everyone who voted for me and Reform UK, thank you—and for those who didn’t, I ask you to give me a chance. I will work hard to earn your trust and do right by every single person in this community, no matter who they voted for.”
“This result wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from my team… Robin, Jack, our amazing branch managers and volunteers—Susan, Brendan, Aaron, Rich, Becky, and so many more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“The people of Hull and East Yorkshire have spoken. Now it’s time to deliver. I’ll be hitting the ground running from Tuesday. Meetings are already in process to get started. I’ve always said I want my actions to speak louder than my words—and you’ll see that in me.”
Reform UK Celebrations: High-Profile Wins Across the Region
Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice MP was present at Haltemprice Leisure Centre for the count and was the first to congratulate Luke Campbell on his victory. The result marks a significant breakthrough for the party in Yorkshire.
In a further boost to Reform UK, Dame Andrea Jenkyns also secured a resounding victory in the race to become Greater Lincolnshire’s first elected mayor. She won 104,133 votes, dominating every area of the county except one. Her nearest rival, Rob Waltham of the Conservative Party, received 64,585 votes.
©Mike Hopps / Beverley Life
