The local buckling behaviour and ultimate cross-sectional resistance of slender tubular elliptical profiles in bending are examined by means of numerical modelling. After successful validation of the numerical model against previous experimental results, a parametric study comprising 240 simulations was conducted in order to investigate the influence of cross-section aspect ratio, axis of bending, geometric imperfections and local slenderness on structural behaviour. The ultimate moments, moment-curvature relationships and failure modes obtained are discussed. It was found that, overall, postbuckling stability increases and imperfection sensitivity decreases with increasing elliptical hollow section (EHS) aspect ratio. A design method is proposed for Class 4 EHS members that reflects the reduction in resistance due to local buckling with increasing slenderness and extends the range of applicability of existing provisions. A reliability analysis was performed in accordance with EN 1990,