Rick Prior, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF), has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Professional Standards Department. Prior’s suspension came after he participated in a GB News interview, where he voiced concerns regarding the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigations into police conduct, reflecting the sentiments of his members.
The interview sparked controversy, leading the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to suspend Prior pending an investigation. However, after a thorough review, the Metropolitan Police’s Professional Standards Department concluded there were “no breaches” of ethics, and Prior has been “rightly exonerated.”
Norman Brennan, a former Metropolitan Police officer and prominent advocate for police welfare, announced the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Brennan, who served the Met for 31 years, expressed his support, stating:
“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.”
The announcement has garnered widespread support from police officers and the public. One supporter commented: “Congratulations to Rick. I watched that interaction live, Norman. 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.
Support for Prior Amid Rising Tensions
Prior’s exoneration comes as the Police Federation of England and Wales faces growing criticism from within its own ranks. A petition, currently supported by over 5,500 signatures, calls for a vote of no confidence in the Federation’s CEO, Mukund Krishna. Krishna, who has no background in policing, has been under fire for both his leadership style and his refusal to disclose his salary, which is funded by the monthly fees of Federation members.
Mark Jones, a former Police Federation representative, initiated the petition, highlighting concerns about derogatory remarks allegedly made by Krishna, which he claims contradict the organization’s foundational values. The petition reads:
“These derogatory comments undermine the founding principles upon which the organisation stands. They were also contrary to the spirit of policing’s Code of Ethics, the code all police officers abide by as Crown Servants.”
The petition further criticizes the lack of financial transparency, particularly Krishna’s refusal to reveal his salary and other compensation details, raising ethical concerns about the Federation’s leadership.
A Growing Divide in the Police Federation
The controversy surrounding Rick Prior’s suspension and subsequent exoneration has highlighted deepening divisions within the Police Federation. Many officers feel that their leadership is ignoring their concerns, with the petition for a vote of no confidence signalling rising dissatisfaction among frontline officers.
Supporters of Prior, including Norman Brennan, view his interview with GB News as an honest representation of the frustrations officers face, particularly concerning what they see as unjust and excessive investigations that discourage them from performing their duties without fear of repercussions.
With the petition continuing to gain momentum and public support for Prior building, the future of the Police Federation’s leadership remains uncertain. Officers and members will closely monitor developments as debates over transparency, accountability, and support for frontline officers intensify.
For now, Rick Prior stands as a staunch advocate for his colleagues, and many hope his exoneration will pave the way for a more open and supportive dialogue within the Police Federation.
