Council leaders alert minister to mayor concerns

Two council leaders have called for an urgent meeting with the government amid concerns about the way the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) is being run.

In a letter to local government minister Jim McMahon, Hull City Council leader Mike Ross and East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Anne Handley said there was "little clear evidence of a vision for the region".

"We want to see devolution succeed in this region, but are understandably concerned that this is not going to happen on the current course," they added.

Reform UK Mayor Luke Campbell, who leads HEYCA, said: "I'm disappointed, but I can't say I'm surprised. There's been far too much politics since I became mayor."

Campbell added: "I do question whether some people have ever really accepted the result of the election."

Since he took office in May 2025, the devolved body has yet to appoint a full-time chief executive and a number of senior staff have left the organisation.

Ross (Lib Dem) and Handley (Conservative), who are lead members on its executive board, said in their letter to the minister: "We recognise that the process of establishing the combined authority is not a quick or easy one... both in terms of putting together the officer resources and setting out the direction of the region under the mayor's vision.

"In recent months there has been increasing cause for concern with the direction and leadership of the authority.

"Recruitment to key roles has been problematic and there is little clear evidence of a vision for the region under the organisation."

The letter also points to concerns recently voiced by Humberside's Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Evison, and his deputy, Leo Hammond, who have written to the prime minister, stating a "lack of action and vision" at the mayoral authority.

In a statement, Campbell said: "Both Anne and Mike wanted to be mayor. They stood against me, the public had their say and they made their choice.

"I've got absolutely no problem with being challenged or held to account, but there's a difference between proper scrutiny and political point-scoring.

"They're not spectators. They're part of its leadership. Anne has the investment portfolio, Mike has skills, and both sit around the board table making decisions alongside me.

"So when they question the direction of the organisation or what's been achieved, I think it's only fair to ask what they've contributed in their own areas."

Last week, HEYCA confirmed Campbell was under police investigation for allegedly sharing naked images of himself.

A spokesperson for HEYCA said: "The mayor firmly denies the allegations.

"We recognise the seriousness of the matters reported and understand the concern they have caused among our staff, partners and the wider public.

"With a police investigation ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further on individual allegations or speculate about the outcome."

The BBC has also been told a meeting of HEYCA's executive board, which was due to take place on Friday, has been cancelled.

A spokesperson said the decision had been taken after a review of the agenda and any matters needing approval would be discussed at its next meeting in November.

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