Story Highlight
– Reform UK welcomes police commissioner with paranormal expertise.
– Rupert Matthews criticizes politicians and calls for reform.
– Labour questions legitimacy of Reform UK’s new recruits.
– Former prison governor joins to address prison issues.
– Criticism of government handling of crime and prison crises.
Full Story
Reform UK has faced ridicule following the announcement of its latest addition to the party, former police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews, known for his expertise in the paranormal, including ghosts, aliens, and UFOs. Matthews, who has a history in the Conservative Party spanning four decades, joined Reform from this affiliation, having served as Leicestershire and Rutland’s police commissioner since his election in 2021. Prior to that, he spent two years as a Member of the European Parliament.
In addition to his political career, Matthews has authored several books that explore themes of cryptozoology, the study of legendary creatures, as well as various facets of the supernatural. His recent recruitment was met with skepticism from both the ruling government and political opponents, with the Prime Minister’s press secretary remarking that Matthews appears to be enthusiastic about “the fantastical and the unexplained,” implying that his interest aligns with Reform’s financial strategies.
A spokesperson from Labour took aim at Matthews, stating, “It’s not just the ghost of Tory past that is swelling the Reform ranks. Their latest recruit Rupert Matthews peddles alien conspiracy theories and believes the removal of abortion rights overseas is a ‘triumph’ for democracy.”
During a press conference at Reform’s headquarters in London, Matthews expressed criticism of the UK’s criminal justice system, declaring that “the dark heart of wokeness” should be eradicated. He accused British politicians of replicating policies from nations labelled as “failed states,” asserting, “It’s almost as if they’ve looked at countries like Lebanon and Libya… and thought, ‘that looks good, let’s try that here in Britain’.” He called to account the political establishment, stating, “They have let this country down. They have let the British people down. Enough. Now is the time for Reform.”
Moreover, he articulated concerns regarding the limitations faced by police officers, stating, “I daily face a fight against crime. I see ordinary, hard-working people burgled, robbed and mugged.” He described the current crime wave as overwhelming, characterising shoplifting and anti-social behavior as transforming urban areas into “an apocalyptic wasteland of lawless Britain.”
Reform UK also introduced Vanessa Frake-Harris, a former governor of Wormwood Scrubs prison, as a new member focused on law and order. She, too, shared her doubts about the effectiveness of past governments, condemning both Conservative and Labour administrations for neglecting the prison service. “Successive governments… have driven the prison service to its knees through lack of investment, support and an unwillingness to allow people who know what they are doing to get the job done,” she lamented. Frake-Harris also criticized the early release of prisoners, branding it “a disgrace.”
In response, a Labour representative dismissed the validity of Reform UK’s proposals, asserting, “It’s farcical that Farage can’t say what his policies are, how much they would cost, or how they would even work. Reform aren’t serious and don’t have a clue as to how they would address the challenges facing working people.”
Requests for comments have been made to Reform UK regarding the backlash against their recruitment strategy.
