Police Commissioner Defects To Reform UK

Leicestershire and Rutland’s Police and Crime Commissioner has defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK.

Rupert Matthews has held the role since 2021 and twice been elected to the position.

Rupert Matthews made the announcement this morning

Mr Matthews becomes Reform’s first Police and Crime Commissioner and criticised both Conservative and Labour governments when he made the announcement at a press conference today, alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

He had been a member of the Tory party since 1984 and served as a Conservative MEP for the East Midlands between 2017 and 2019.

Mr Matthews said the ‘dark heart of wokeness’ needed to be cut out of the criminal justice system:

Rupert Matthews outside Market Harborough Police Station

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Matthews added: “This was a big decision and not one I took lightly.

“Importantly for local residents, my position as PCC remains unchanged, as does my commitment to the manifesto on which I was elected.

“I am determined to do everything I can to enable the police and the courts to focus on keeping our communities safe.

“My pledge to the public remains firm and solid.  The fight against crime across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland continues unabated.”