The Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation has been sacked by his union after controversial remarks about policing and race, sparking accusations that he has been “thrown under the bus” by colleagues.
Rick Prior, who represented 30,000 rank-and-file officers across London, was dismissed following an interview in which he claimed that officers were increasingly reluctant to challenge people from ethnic minority backgrounds for fear of being branded racist.
Speaking to GB News, Mr Prior said there was a “crisis of confidence” in the Met, with frontline officers fearful of being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) or targeted with “vexatious or malicious complaints.” He said officers now feel an “assumption of racism right from the off” in certain interactions.
Mr Prior, who had been suspended from his post last October, was officially removed from office on Thursday, 24 April, following a Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) disciplinary panel, which also imposed a lifetime ban preventing him from ever standing for election again.
In a blistering statement, Mr Prior compared the process to a “kangaroo court,” saying:
“I dared to speak the truth and would have been treated more fairly in North Korea.”
The PFEW said:
Rick Prior, chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, has been found in breach of the Federation’s Standards. He has been permanently removed as chair and Federation representative.”
They declined to comment further, citing governance protocols.
Mr Prior’s dismissal has drawn significant political support. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman defended him, saying his concerns were “correct” and that frontline officers increasingly feel disempowered.
“We have thousands of brave and inspiring men and women who sign up to serve, but many of them no longer feel empowered to act,” Ms Braverman said.
Mr Prior’s concerns were amplified by reference to incidents like the overturned conviction of PC Perry Lathwood, who had been accused of assault after challenging a fare-dodger in Croydon.
Despite his removal by the Federation, a Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards investigation cleared Mr Prior of misconduct, stating his comments did not breach professional standards.
With support from the Free Speech Union, Mr Prior has launched a legal battle against his dismissal and is seeking a judicial review.
The situation has exposed deep divisions within the Met Federation, with leaked messages from representatives criticising leadership for their silence and accusing them of abandoning Mr Prior.
As internal unrest grows, the episode has intensified debate over free speech, race, and policing culture within Britain’s largest police force.
Witnesses or Federation members with further information are urged to come forward as the situation develops.
