Call For By-Election After PCC’s Defection

There are calls for a by-election to be held after the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and Rutland defected to Reform UK from the Conservatives.

The Tory party in the county have made the demand, saying people who voted for Rupert Matthews at last year’s election will feel ‘let down’ by his decision.

A statement adds he was elected for another four-year term on a mandate to deliver the Conservative Police and Crime plan and residents should be given a say on if they want him to continue in office, under different political colours.

Mr Matthews – who has become Reform’s first PCC – says his commitment to the manifesto on which he was elected remains unchanged.

Cllr Simon Whelband, leader of the Conservative group at Harborough District Council, spoke to HFM:

Police & Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews

Mr Matthews said: “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.”