John Dwyer, the recently appointed Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire has appointed Margaret Ollerenshaw, the former Chairman of the Police Authority, as his deputy.
John Dwyer said, "I am delighted that the Police and Crime Panel has confirmed my proposal to appoint Margaret Ollerenshaw as my deputy.
"I said during my pre-election campaign that I would wait to see whether I would need to appoint a deputy until I was elected. It quickly became clear to me that in order to perform my duties effectively I would need a second in command. Margaret Ollerenshaw was the obvious choice as she has the breadth and depth of experience and has the respect and support of other Leaders in Cheshire.
"This is a twelve month appointment to enable me to fully understand the scope of this new and challenging role and to see how the Government's proposals for the role continue to evolve.
"Margaret has a proven track record and has good experience of business management in the private sector and has made a valuable contribution in the voluntary sector. She also has considerable experience of the criminal justice system through her time as a Magistrate.
"Most recently, as Member and Chairman of the former Police Authority, she demonstrated her ability to effectively scrutinise and challenge and clearly has the qualities necessary to support me in ensuring both the delivery of an efficient and effective policing service; and continuous improvement in services and performance. Her skills, knowledge and experience will be invaluable in the transition from the police authority model to the new way of working, which I am already introducing."
On hearing the confirmation of her appointment Margaret said, "I am delighted that John Dwyer has appointed me as Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner forCheshire. I enjoy working with the police and in criminal justice as I know it can make a real difference to people's lives. I am looking forward to assisting the Commissioner in delivering his Police and Crime Plan and ensuring the services delivered to the public best meet their needs and continue to improve."
John Dwyer added "The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 stipulates that the Police and Crime Panel undertake a confirmatory process of the proposed appointment and we thought it only right and proper that we should await their confirmation before making this announcement."
The term of the proposed appointment will be for a period of one year, which may be extended. Remuneration will be £22,500, which is 30% of the salary of the Commissioner, based on an average three days per week. Expenses will be paid in accordance with the Home Secretary's determination in relation to expenses for Police & Crime Commissioners.
Comments
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It turns out that my doubts were well founded. Whilst we all accept that the PCC must not act in an overtly political manner, I would expect a PCC elected under a Conservative banner to behave in accordance with broad Conservative values.
I am therefore at a loss to understand how he can appoint as his deputy the former long standing Chairman of the Police Authority, who whilst formally was an independent member, clearly lead the Authority in a tax and spend direction.
Why he could not find a Deputy with conservative values is a matter over which I am lost for words.
During the selection process I asked him if he would make a break with the traditional PA approach of fleecing the tax payer and start looking at inflation and what the tax payer could afford when setting a budget - sadly I see from the parallel story that he is back to the old style of salami slicing - its only 20 pence per day per tax payer.
I have always been curious to know how a former Assistant Chief Constable was unable to come up with and implement a bunch of good ideas but if you change the job title and make him the PCC then he can do this ?
Finally, can anyone explain how someone who has served in the Police force for many years can possibly challenge and change the working practices of the force ? Again - if an ACC could not do this - how come a PCC suddenly can ?
One thing is for certain - he will never get selected as the Conservative Candidate next time round. Without big party support he will not get re-elected and will turn into a one-term wonder.