The Political Journey of the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner
The trajectory of this political career spans several decades, moving from local council representation to the European stage and eventually to high-level law enforcement oversight. Characterized by a steadfast commitment to Euroscepticism and a shift in party affiliation, the journey reflects the broader shifts in British politics over the last thirty years.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner.
- Current Party: Reform UK (defected August 4, 2025).
- European Experience: Served as an MEP for the East Midlands from June 29, 2017.
- Brexit Influence: Former National Campaigns Director at Better Off Out.
- Local Government: Former councillor for St Mark's ward in Surbiton.
Early Political Ambitions and European Aspirations
The path began in local government, serving as a councillor for St Mark's ward in Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames. Early attempts to enter national politics included standing as a Conservative candidate in the 1997 general election for Bootle, a constituency known as a safe seat for the Labour Party.
By 2009, the focus shifted toward the European Parliament. Placed third on the Conservative party list for the East Midlands, the initial bid for a seat was unsuccessful. A potential appointment in 2011 became a point of contention when MEP Roger Helmer announced his intention to resign. While the successor was expected to be the next person on the party list, uncertainty arose regarding party approval. This delay was linked to reports concerning the cover of a book on political correctness published by Bretwalda Books, though it was later clarified that there was no personal involvement in the publication of that book.
Despite these hurdles and another unsuccessful bid in the 2014 European Parliament election, the persistence in European politics eventually paid off.
Campaigning for Brexit
In 2014, a pivotal role was taken as the National Campaigns Director at Better Off Out, an organization advocating for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. In this capacity, coordination occurred with major campaign entities, including the official Vote Leave campaign, Leave.EU, and Grassroots Out.
The responsibilities included supervising the production and distribution of posters, leaflets, and other promotional materials leading up to the 2016 European Union membership referendum.
Tenure as an MEP and Political Views
The goal of becoming a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) was realized on June 29, 2017, following the election of Andrew Lewer to the House of Commons. However, this tenure ended after the 2019 European Parliament election.
During this period, strong views on EU sovereignty were expressed. This included the belief that the Treaty of Lisbon—the constitutional treaty that amended the EU's structure—could have potentially allowed the European Commission to authorize a military intervention, such as sending a German panzer (tank) division to London, should the UK attempt to leave the Union.
Police and Crime Commissionership
Transitioning back to domestic governance, a successful bid was made in 2021 to become the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner. This role involved succeeding the Labour incumbent, Willy Bach. The position was subsequently secured again through reelection in 2024.
In a significant political shift, a defection to Reform UK was announced during a press conference on August 4, 2025.
| Period/Year | Role/Event | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | General Election Candidate (Bootle) | Conservative |
| 2014 | National Campaigns Director | Better Off Out |
| 2017-2019 | MEP for East Midlands | Conservative |
| 2021-Present | Police and Crime Commissioner | Conservative / Reform UK |
| 2025 | Party Defection | Reform UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the transition to Reform UK occur?
The defection to Reform UK was officially announced at a press conference on August 4, 2025.
What role was played in the 2016 Brexit referendum?
As the National Campaigns Director for Better Off Out, the role involved managing campaign materials and liaising with Vote Leave, Leave.EU, and Grassroots Out.
How long was the tenure as an MEP?
The term as an MEP for the East Midlands began on June 29, 2017, and concluded after the 2019 European Parliament election.
Who was the predecessor for the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner role?
The position was previously held by Willy Bach of the Labour Party, who stepped down prior to the 2021 election.
What was the controversy regarding Bretwalda Books?
There were reports regarding golliwog dolls on the cover of a book on political correctness published by Bretwalda Books, which caused uncertainty during a potential MEP appointment in 2011; however, it was reported that there was no personal involvement in the publishing of the book.