Leicestershire Police Commissioner Rupert Matthews Defects Conservative Reform UK

Rupert Matthews, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicestershire and Rutland, has defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, becoming the party's first PCC. Matthews, who has held the position since 2021 and was re-elected in 2024, cited the need to remove the 'dark heart of wokeness' from the criminal justice system as a key reason for his switch. Speaking alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Matthews criticized both Conservative and Labour governments, accusing the political elite of letting down the British people. He also condemned current policies such as the police race action plan and called for stronger measures against crime, including deporting foreign criminals immediately upon conviction. Matthews' defection is seen as a direct rebuke to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and reflects growing discontent within law enforcement ranks over perceived political correctness. The move has garnered significant media attention as Reform UK seeks to expand its influence in local and national politics.