PCC Rupert Matthews with Oliver Bryan and Neetu Squire
Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, has announced the appointment of two new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioners, each with specific responsibilities.
Speaking at a Confirmation Hearing held by the Police and Crime Panel, Mr Matthews explained that his aim was to split the role by appointing individuals working on a part-time basis, equipped with different, but complementary, skills. He highlighted that in total they would be working a three-and-a-half-day week, which the Home Office has confirmed is in-line with the legislation.
Oliver Bryan will have special responsibility for engagement and lobbying. An experienced public affairs professional, he has an excellent understanding of politics, policing, governance and community engagement, both in the UK and overseas.
In 2023 he was appointed as Head of Investigations for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, pushing for lower taxes, less waste and more accountability. Leading national investigations into government spending, he regularly appeared in the media and was awarded the Atlas Network’s Asia Liberty Award for innovation in public accountability.
He is highly skilled when working in complex stakeholder environments and well versed in political lobbying and community representation. He will work two and a half days a week.
Award winning community cohesion specialist, Neetu Squire, is to work the equivalent of one day per week. Her role is designed to encourage consultation and engagement with the wider community and boost community cohesion across the force area.
Mr Matthews had intended to appoint a third Deputy, former Magistrate Reverend Gwyn Davies who would have had responsibility for the Criminal Justice portfolio. Unfortunately, Reverand Davies suffered a serious medical incident over the weekend and will not now be taking up the role. Mr Matthews will inform the Panel of his intentions with regard to the Criminal Justice Portfolio in the near future.
All three candidates were interviewed robustly in public forum by the Police and Crime Panel members after which the Panel confirmed its approval of the Commissioner’s recommendations.
Rupert Matthews said: “Firstly, I would like to wish Gwyn a swift recovery. Obviously, we are all disappointed that he cannot now take up the role, at which I think he would have excelled, but I completely understand that he is no longer able to do so.
“However, I am very pleased to welcome Oliver and Neetu to our small team. I’m very clear about the work that needs doing by my Deputy – or in this case Deputies - and I think it’s important to have people who are well-qualified to undertake specialist roles.
“I’m grateful that we have identified such talented individuals and I look forward to working with them as we strive to prevent crime and drive change designed to make Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer.”
Mr Matthews’ move comes after his previous Deputy resigned for personal reasons in September.
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Picture Shows (L-R): PCC Rupert Matthews with Oliver Bryan and Neetu Squire
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Posted on Tuesday 4th November 2025