Nigel Farage unveils famous boxer as Reform UK candidate in major election

Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform's candidate for the Hull and East Riding mayoral election.

The Reform UK leader used a rally in Hull tonight to announce that former professional boxer Luke Campbell will stand for the party on May 1.

Mr Farage welcomed Mr Campbell, who won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, to the stage in front of 2,000 supporters at the Connexin Live Arena.

The Clacton MP said: "I think what Luke has done in deciding to stand says a huge amount about him and a huge amount about us as a political party.

"We're going to do things differently, we're not career politicians, we're people prepared to stand up with grit and determination and fight for our communities."

Mr Campbell said: "I had to really think hard about whether I wanted to take this or not but the more I sat and thought about it, the more I got excited.

"I got excited for what I can do for my community, how can I put the people of Hull and East Yorkshire first. That's what really inspired me to stand on this stage today.

"I'm not going to stand to this stage and pretend I'm a politician because I'm certainly not.

"The mayor's role for me isn't about playing politics, it's about being a voice for Hull and East Yorkshire, it's about putting the people first."

He added: "We all have a choice, we can either sit down or stand up. We can stand up for our families, our community and our future."

The Clacton MP had earlier teased that he had a "knockout candidate" for the election on May 1.

It comes as Reform, which currently has five MPs, is leading some national opinion polls.

Former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns was previously named as Reform's candidate for the Lincolnshire mayoral election.