Police commissioner shrugs off attacks on choice of deputy

Coun Marc Jones claimed it was “totally and quite properly” his right to go ahead and appoint fellow Lincolnshire County Council member Coun Stuart Tweedale to the part-time, £18,000-year post.

A county councillor for Ruskington and Cranwell, Coun Tweedale was appointed last Wednesday in spite of the 12-strong Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP) deciding that “it isn’t able” to recommend him as Deputy PCC.

Coun Jones said: “The legislation says that the panel should be involved in the selection of the deputy, but I was clear before the election about my intention to appoint one.

“The panel had no choice but to look at the very narrow criteria laid out in the legislation whereas I took into account everything, including the knowledge that I have to work with the Deputy PCC on a daily basis and that he is a representative of me.

“The panel was very clear when I met them on Friday that they fully recognise and accept the decision on whether to appoint a Deputy PCC or not was totally and quite properly mine.”

Coun Jones’ appointment of his Deputy PCC came under attack from two of his rivals for the post of PCC at last month’s election.

UKIP county councillor for Spilsby Fen, Coun Victoria Ayling, accused the Commissioner of arrogance in going against the PCP’s recommendation, while Sleaford teacher and Labour PCC candidate Lucinda Preston claimed the appointment of Coun Tweedale raised concerns over “public accountability.”

Ms Preston said: “I’m extremely disappointed that Marc Jones has chosen to ignore the recommendations of the Police and Crime Panel and has appointed Stuart Tweedale as his deputy.

“Given the panel’s serious concerns regarding the independence and experience of Mr Tweedale, I would urge Mr Jones to reconsider the appointment, as well as his decision to appoint a deputy in the first place.”

But Coun Jones said: “The panel wasn’t holding a job interval but merely looking at some very specific parts of criteria laid down in the legislation.

“I’ve appointed Stuart Tweedale as Deputy PCC and I shall answer to the public in four years’ time.”

Coun Jones went on to reveal that both he and his deputy had “stepped down” from their executive responsibilities at Lincolnshire County Council and the Commissioner himself will stand down as a county councillor for Lincoln Bracebridge before elections due next year.