Deputy police, crime commissioner steps down from the role

RESIGNATION COMES AMID PCC'S PARTY SWITCH ROW

- By DYLAN HAYWARD [e-mail]

LEICESTERSHIRE'S deputy police and crime commissioner has resigned from her position with immediate effect.

The departure comes as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews faces calls for a by-election over his defection from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.

Charlotte Chiciro was appointed to the role in February, when both she and Mr Matthews were members of the Conservative Party.

Mr Matthews announced his switch to Reform UK recently, prompting criticism from his former party and residents.

In a statement, Miss Chiciro said the decision was made for personal reasons which she had not anticipated when taking up the role.

She stressed her commitment and loyalty to Mr Matthews as police and crime commissioner remained undiminished despite her departure.

Miss Chiciro said: "It is with the deepest regret that I resign, with immediate effect, from my position as deputy police and crime commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"I would like to stress this is entirely for personal reasons and not something I foresaw when I took up this role.