Former Olympic boxing champion Luke Campbell has been announced as the Reform UK candidate for the mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire. Campbell, a 37-year-old Hull-born international boxer, is an inspiration for other young men who have grown up without much, and is standing for office in an area he knows well. The announcement was made at a rally at the Connexin Live arena in Hull, where Campbell appeared on stage alongside party leader Nigel Farage. Campbell told the audience he is a "Hull lad born and bred" and wanted to "give back" to the city that gave him "grit" and "spirit."

Campbell's candidacy is seen as a significant move for Reform UK, which is hoping to appeal to voters who are sick of politics. The party has branded itself as a breakaway from the political establishment, and Campbell's lack of political experience is being seen as a strength. As a local sporting legend, Campbell is miles away from the world of Westminster, and Reform UK hopes that he will earn the votes of those who have given up on politics. The election in May will be the first time the region has had a directly-elected mayor, and Campbell is promising to bring real change to the area.

The devolution deal for Hull and East Yorkshire, which was signed off by the Labour Government in September, sets out plans to establish a Combined Authority. The mayor will lead the new authority and will have responsibility over areas such as housing, planning, and transport. The deal will also see the region given an additional £13m a year from the government. Campbell is one of six candidates who have so far thrown their hat into the ring to become the first elected mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire. The nomination period for candidates officially opens on 18 March, and the close of nominations is on 2 April.

The election will be held on 1 May 2025, and it is expected to be a closely contested race. The other candidates who have declared so far include representatives from the Labour and Conservative parties, as well as independent candidates. Reform UK is hoping that Campbell's popularity and lack of political baggage will give him an edge in the election. The party is also hoping to capitalize on the discontent with the current political establishment, and to appeal to voters who are looking for a fresh start. Here is a list of key dates in the election timeline: * 18 March: Nomination period for candidates officially opens * 2 April: Close of nominations * 1 May 2025: Election day * September: Devolution deal signed off by Labour Government, setting out plans to establish a Combined Authority.

The outcome of the election is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the people of Hull and East Yorkshire will have a chance to choose a new leader and to shape the future of their region. With the devolution deal and the establishment of a Combined Authority, the region is set to receive more funding and to have more control over its own affairs. The election will be an important milestone in this process, and it will be closely watched by politicians and commentators across the country. As the campaign heats up, it will be interesting to see how the different candidates respond to the challenges facing the region, and how they plan to address the concerns of the voters.