Watchdog Issues Warning to Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews (Reform) After "Inappropriate" Email to Officer and Social Media Blunder

Watchdog Issues Warning to Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews (Reform) After "Inappropriate" Email to Officer and Social Media Blunder

By Your Local Democracy Reporter

Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Rupert Matthews, has been warned over his professional conduct following two separate complaints involving an "inappropriate" email to a female officer and inaccurate public claims.

The Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Police and Crime Panel’s Complaints Sub-Committee met on January 21, 2026, to resolve the matters through an "informal resolution" process. While the committee is not empowered to make formal findings of fact, the meeting resulted in formal reminders and recommendations being issued to the PCC regarding his future conduct.

Complaint A: The Email to a Female Officer

The first complaint centered on an email sent by Mr. Matthews to a serving female police officer. After reviewing submissions from both parties, the Sub-Committee expressed clear concern regarding the PCC's communication style.

The committee deemed the tone and content of the message "inappropriate for the office" and stated it fell short of the high standards expected of a public official in his position.

Mr. Matthews expressed regret during the meeting for the "offence and distress" caused to the officer and acknowledged the email was inappropriate.

A formal reminder has been recorded, advising the PCC to maintain "appropriate professional distance" and exercise better care when communicating with police staff.

Complaint B: Social Media and Public Remarks

The second complaint involved remarks made by the PCC in a public setting, which were later circulated in a social media clip.

The dispute involved a claim by Mr. Matthews that the complainant had telephoned him to discuss a specific issue.

During the proceedings, the PCC walked back this claim, clarifying that he "does not now contend" that the phone call took place as previously described.

The committee will send an explanatory note to the complainant regarding this clarification. Furthermore, a formal recommendation has been issued to the PCC, stating that any future public references to third-party contacts must be "accurate and verifiable."

Both matters were heard in an "exempt session" meaning the public and press were excluded to protect personal information. Because the complaints were classified as "non-criminal," the panel followed the Elected Local Policing Bodies Regulations 2012, which focuses on resolving disputes through mediation and recommendations rather than disciplinary sanctions.

The Sub-Committee confirmed that both complaints are now recorded as "resolved," provided the PCC adheres to the recorded reminders.

A formal record of the outcome is being sent to all parties involved. A public summary was released by the Panel to ensure transparency in the oversight of the PCC’s office.