Police Chief Cleared After Controversial GB News Interview
Rick Prior, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF), has been officially cleared of all wrongdoing following a probe by the Metropolitan Police Professional Standards Department. Prior was suspended after speaking out on GB News, criticising the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigations and voicing his members’ frustrations.
Suspension Overturned: No Code Breach Found
The interview caused an uproar, leading the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to suspend Prior pending investigation. But after a thorough review, the Professional Standards Department found “no breaches” of ethics and rightly exonerated him.
“Folks, recently Rick Prior Chair @MPFed gave an honest interview to @GBNEWS on how his members felt. @CEO_PFEW suspended Rick; I can now tell you MET Professional Standards Dept found ‘No Breaches’ of codes of ethics & Rightly ‘Exonerated’ Rick! I agree with Rick’s interview & stand by him.”— Norman Brennan, former Met officer and police welfare campaigner
The news was met with cheers from officers and the public alike. One supporter said: “Congratulations to Rick. I watched the interview live. Rick spoke the truth and from the heart. We need much more of it. I’m very happy he’s been exonerated, as I expected.”
Petition Calls for Police Federation CEO’s Head
Prior’s clearance comes amid rising tensions within the Police Federation. A growing petition, signed by over 5,500 members, demands a vote of no confidence in PFEW’s CEO Mukund Krishna. The ex-police chief’s leadership style and refusal to reveal his salary — paid by member fees — have sparked outrage.
Mark Jones, a former Federation rep and petition organiser, slammed Krishna’s alleged “derogatory comments” as completely against the principles of policing and the Code of Ethics. The petition also blasts the lack of financial transparency as an ethical breach at the top.
Deep Divisions Rock Police Federation
The drama around Prior’s suspension and eventual vindication has exposed a deep rift in the Police Federation. Many frontline officers feel ignored, with growing unrest threatening to tear the organisation apart.
Supporters praise Prior’s forthright GB News interview as a rare, honest snapshot of officers’ struggles against what they see as unjust investigations that cripple their ability to do their job without fear.
With the no-confidence petition gaining momentum and public backing for Prior swelling, the future of Federation leadership hangs in the balance. Many hope Prior’s exoneration marks a turning point towards more openness and support for those on the frontline.
