The deputy leader of Reform UK has responded to claims that Luke Campbell is “not qualified” to be Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire.
Following the vote held on Thursday, May 1, the Hull-born former boxer was elected as the new combined authority’s first mayor, winning more than 35 per cent of the vote. Despite having no prior political experience, Mr Campbell overcame candidates who have held major roles working in local government such as the Cllr Mike Ross and Cllr Anne Handley who are the leaders of Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council respectively.
Mr Campbell, who formally took office earlier this week, amassed almost 11,000 more votes than Liberal Democrat candidate Cllr Ross who came second in the mayoral race.
Appearing on the BBC’s Question Time on Thursday, May 8, which was filmed from Hull, Mr Tice was accused by an audience member of putting forward a candidate for the Hull and East Yorkshire mayoral election who was “not qualified, not educated, and not knowledgeable to do the role”.
The audience member said to Mr Tice that Mr Campbell’s candidacy “shows me everything that I need to know about you as a politician and you as a party which is that this is not about people, it is about power”.
Mr Tice responded by saying: “At the end of the day, voters voted Luke in by a considerable majority and, of course, in elected positions we’ve now got to stand up and deliver.”
He added: “Maybe actually we should have successful people from other walks of life who actually can come in and sort things out. And I think Luke will bring people together and can do a great job as Mayor.
“With his track record of success, the good residents and constituents should give him a chance.”
Meanwhile, Jo Grady, the General Secretary of the University and College Union, who was also on the panel, accused the Reform UK MP of not listening to the “legitimate concerns” of the audience member regarding Reform UK’s plans for the region.
Taking office on Tuesday, Mr Campbell said: “I am proud to be trusted by local people to help bring this region the jobs, economic growth and prosperity we deserve. By bringing together the huge strengths and ambitions we have here, we can work together to deliver more opportunities and growth.
“I am determined to deliver for our businesses and local communities – and we are going to hit the ground running.”
He added this includes showcasing the area “nationally and internationally”, and he pledged to “continue meeting and listening to everyone from business leaders to young people planning their first career steps”.
