Luke Campbell, the Reform UK mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, is under police investigation following allegations that he showed explicit images of himself to a female colleague. The incident reportedly occurred in May 2025 at the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (Heyca), where the woman worked. She alleges that Campbell displayed four fully naked and sexualised photos on his computer without her consent, leaving her “shocked, embarrassed and humiliated.” The allegations have prompted an internal grievance process at Heyca, alongside a criminal inquiry by Humberside police.

According to written statements obtained during the inquiry, Campbell called a senior female officer to his desk and showed her the images, after which he and two male colleagues allegedly laughed at her reaction. A witness also reported seeing Campbell and colleagues urging the woman to view the images and described feeling “uneasy.” Additional claims include Campbell lowering his waistband to reveal a tattoo and tan line on his abdomen. About three weeks after the incident, the female officer—originally a contractor who had been offered a permanent role—was informed via a virtual call that the job offer had been withdrawn. Documents submitted to an employment tribunal contend the withdrawal directly related to her rejection of unwanted sexual conduct.

Campbell, a 39-year-old former bantamweight boxer and 2012 Olympic gold medalist who was awarded an MBE for services to sport, was interviewed under caution by police earlier in June. No charges or arrests have been made at this stage. He is regarded as a prominent figure within Reform UK, having secured a high-profile mayoral victory in May 2025 and received public endorsement from party leader Nigel Farage.

The incident compounds wider concerns about workplace culture at Heyca, where Campbell has faced prior criticism. In August 2025, reports emerged of internal unrest and staff resignations linked to a “toxic working environment” under his leadership. The current allegations add to scrutiny of Reform UK’s workplace standards and candidate vetting processes amid a concurrent investigation into several party representatives’ conduct.

Further controversy involving Reform UK surfaced following a recent televised investigation into racist and sexist remarks made by party councillors and candidates. Reform councillor Chris Whelan was recorded making inappropriate comments about female candidates, and deputy mayor Alan Feeney resigned after using racist language toward Asian homeowners. Reform officials stated that investigations and suspensions are underway and emphasised the party’s efforts to improve vetting procedures.

Heyca confirmed that their standards and complaints procedures are being applied and stressed the importance of conducting these fairly and independently during ongoing processes. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government underscored the need for mayors to adhere to the highest standards and for combined authorities to maintain safeguards protecting staff and witnesses in such cases.

Campbell and Reform UK have not issued formal statements responding to the cyberflashing allegations. Meanwhile, Labour representatives condemned the reported incidents and called for heightened scrutiny of standards within Reform UK’s ranks.