PCC’s Horse Photo Request Deemed “Inappropriate”
Written by HFM News on 4th February 2026
A complaints panel has found a request from Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner to a serving officer to help stage an election photo with a horse was “inappropriate.”
The email, which referenced Vladimir Putin’s famous photoshoot, was described as “unsolicited and unprofessional.”
Rupert Matthews outside Market Harborough Police Station
The panel reviewed the matter in a meeting behind closed doors last month, although details of the complaint were leaked to the media beforehand.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel complaints sub-committee said the tone and content of the email fell short of the standards expected of a PCC.
Mr Matthews expressed regret for the offence caused and acknowledged the email was inappropriate.
The panel added: “A reminder has been recorded about maintaining appropriate professional distance and care in communications with officers.”
Mr Matthews has since lodged his own complaint over the leak, calling it “a disgrace.”
