In a recent revelation by the BBC, Andrew Hamilton-Gray, a newly-elected county councillor in Leicestershire, has come under scrutiny due to his past as a police officer who was dismissed in January 2024. Hamilton-Gray, who secured nearly 40% of the vote for the Reform UK party in Loughborough, is now facing questions about his past conduct, which includes allegations of misconduct during his tenure with Leicestershire Police.
The circumstances surrounding Hamilton-Gray’s dismissal stemmed from a misconduct hearing that confirmed he had falsified his sick leave to travel to Spain instead of fulfilling his duties as a police constable. Notably, this incident was not isolated, as it was revealed that he had previously reported sick on another occasion to pursue personal business interests. The police misconduct panel found these actions compromised the principles of honesty and integrity, leading to his termination from the force.
In a surprising twist, Hamilton-Gray’s election to local government has sparked discussions about accountability and transparency within public office. After winning his seat, he proclaimed via social media his commitment to serving Loughborough North West with “honour, integrity and transparency.” Given his prior conduct, this statement has drawn criticism and skepticism from constituents and political observers alike.
The details surrounding his dismissal reveal a troubling pattern of behavior. Hamilton-Gray was found to have requested leave to deliver a luxury car to Barcelona in April 2023, a request that was partly denied. Undaunted, he later booked a return ferry ticket while still scheduled to work. Just hours before his intended departure, he reported himself sick. The misconduct panel additionally heard testimony that Hamilton-Gray was later seen giving a test drive of a vintage Porsche—while he was purportedly unfit to work. Such actions were deemed particularly egregious given his role as a police officer tasked with upholding the law.
Rob Nixon, the then Chief Constable of Leicestershire, described Hamilton-Gray’s conduct as “deliberate” and “planned,” asserting that such a breach of trust within law enforcement undermines public confidence in the police force. He emphasized that while Hamilton-Gray had a long-standing career with the police, the gravity of his actions warranted immediate dismissal without notice. This incident has undoubtedly marred his reputation, casting a shadow over his current political aspirations.
Since his dismissal, Hamilton-Gray has landed on the College of Policing’s barred list, which restricts individuals from serving in future policing roles. He has remained largely silent on the matter but continues to be linked with local businesses, specifically luxury car consultancy, which he advertises through his LinkedIn profile. His business activities raise additional concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest should he remain in a position of public service.
Hamilton-Gray’s case has been one of many instances causing local voters to question the integrity of their elected officials. The ongoing discourse surrounding Hamilton-Gray emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency within public office—principles he has sworn to uphold yet previously failed to maintain in his professional capacity as a police officer. As Leicestershire County Council navigates these challenges, constituents are keenly interested in how the council intends to address such issues as they pertain to public trust and governance.
In conclusion, Andrew Hamilton-Gray’s trajectory from police officer to county councillor—and the challenges that continue to follow him—serve as a compelling narrative about the importance of professional standards in both policing and politics. The intersection of his past and present roles raises critical questions about how best to foster integrity and public confidence in both law enforcement and elected leadership. As constituents of Loughborough keep a watchful eye on their new councillor, the implications of his past behavior will likely be examined at the forefront of community discussions.