PCC Faces Complaint Over ‘Horse Photo’ Election Request

Leicestershire and Rutland’s Police and Crime Commissioner is facing a complaint after asking a police officer to help organise an election campaign photo with a horse, referencing Vladimir Putin’s famous topless horseback photo.

A report states Rupert Matthews sent an “unsolicited email” to a serving officer requesting her assistance in creating promotional election material, leading to allegations of encouraging or assisting an offence and misconduct in public office.

Rupert Matthews outside Market Harborough Police Station

The complaint was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in September 2025, which found no evidence of a criminal offence.

The matter has now been returned to the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel, which will discuss it today at the complaints sub-committee.

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

The IOPC confirmed no criminal offence had been committed, leaving the panel to decide on the next steps.

Matthews was elected to the role in 2021 and re-elected in 2024 before defecting from the Conservatives to Reform UK last year.