Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Rupert Matthews has announced today (4 August 2025) his move to Reform UK, following his formal defection from the Conservative Party.
He becomes the first PCC to join Reform UK, making a notable expansion of the party beyond electoral politics.
Picture: Rupert Matthews
Matthews has served as PCC since 2021 and secured re?election in May 2024.
He previously served as a Conservative Member of the European Parliament representing the East Midlands from 2017 to 2019.
Speaking at Reform UK headquarters in Westminster, Matthews denounced what he called the “dark heart of wokeness” in policing and criminal justice. He argued that recent governments, Conservative and Labour alike, have failed the British people and that reform is long overdue.
At the same event, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage officially welcomed Matthews. He emphasised the party’s hardline stance on immigration and crime—pledging stricter deportation policies, tougher sentencing, and opposition to surveillance ID systems
In a statement Rupert Matthews said of his decision to join Reform: “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.”
