Luke Campbell, Reform UK’s elected mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire, is under police investigation over allegations that he shared nude photographs of himself.
A spokesperson for Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “The mayor firmly denies the allegations.
“We recognise the seriousness of these reported matters and understand the concern they have caused among our staff, partners and the wider public.
“While the police investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the individual allegations or speculate about the outcome.”
The spokesperson added: “The combined authority has established procedures for handling complaints about members and officers. These must be conducted fairly and independently.”
According to The Observer, Campbell, a former Olympic gold medallist in boxing, was accused of showing nude images of himself to a female member of staff.
Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council for the Liberal Democrats and runner-up in last year’s mayoral election, said Campbell should “stand aside” during the investigation.
“If an investigation is taking place, then in other circumstances a person in that position would be asked to stand aside while it is under way,” he said.
“If that is what should happen in this case, I believe it would be the right course of action.”
Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the Conservatives, said: “To look after the mayor and look after himself, the best thing he could do would be to stand aside temporarily until the investigation is concluded.”
In a statement, Reform UK said: “Luke firmly denies the allegations.
“They come from a disgruntled employee attempting to leverage a settlement in a meritless workplace dispute.”
