Call For Probe Over Leaked Complaint Papers

The office of Leicestershire and Rutland’s Police and Crime Commissioner has requested an investigation after confidential information about a complaint against Rupert Matthews was leaked to the press.

The complaint stems from an incident in which Mr Matthews allegedly asked a police officer to help organise an election campaign photo with a horse, referencing Vladimir Putin’s famous topless horseback photograph, leading to allegations of encouraging or assisting an offence and misconduct in public office.

A sub-committee of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel met today to determine how the complaint should be handled, after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found no evidence of a criminal offence.

The committee will return with any recommendations as soon as possible, though no timeline has been given.

Rupert Matthews

In response to the leak, Matthews said: “The ability of an independent panel to scrutinise the activity of the Police and Crime Commissioner, or any elected representative, is an important part of our democracy. I have always believed that it is extremely important that all elected officials are held to high standards of behaviour and integrity. That includes those holding others to account.

“Therefore I am both surprised and disappointed that it would appear information in papers, marked as confidential and sent only to members of the Complaints Sub-committee, has been sent to the press the day before this meeting. I can only hazard a guess at the reasons why.

“Unfortunately, by leaking this information, they have also undermined the wider Police and Crime Panel, Leicestershire County Council and this entire process. A formal complaint has been lodged and an investigation requested. As all elected representatives know, leaking confidential information is a breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

“I have, of course, cooperated fully with the Sub-Committee, but I found it very challenging to recognise their authority and integrity in the circumstances. It is ironic that there was at least one person in front of me asking questions about my behaviour when their own clearly leaves a lot to be desired.”

A spokesperson for Mr Matthews’ office added that he has met the officer concerned several times for public engagement and is “extremely frightened of horses,” often mentioning it with humour.