A Conservative councillor from Portsmouth has been put forward as the proposed deputy police and crime commissioner.
Cllr Terry Norton, who represents the Drayton and Farlington ward, has been named by Donna Jones as her preferred right-hand-man after former deputy Luke Stubbs resigned from the position in February.
Mr Stubbs stood down following comments he made on behalf of the commissioner’s office at a fire and rescue authority meeting about gender equality, which led to a number of complaints being made against him.
Worked together
According to official reports, Mrs Jones has recommended Cllr Norton due to their experience of working together at Portsmouth City Council.
In his role as a teacher Mr Norton has helped the police and crime commissioner to understand the risks of children either offending or being exploited, she added.
In his report, chief executive Jason Kenny said,
“Commissioner Donna Jones has based this decision on the experience Mr Norton has of working closely with her in public front-facing roles over the last five years.
“Mr Norton knows the police and crime commissioner’s approach, opinions and vision for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“The commissioner has chosen an individual who has a strong background in teaching and local government.”
No advertising required
At a police and crime panel meeting on Monday, 25th April, Cllr Norton is due to be confirmed for the role.
The job does not have to be advertised, with the commissioner free to appoint anyone she deems fit for the role.
His salary for the position will be set at 75 per cent of Mrs Jones’ pay, who receives £86,000 a year.
Focus on police performance
If approved, Cllr Norton will focus on police performance and representation of the police and crime commissioner’s office, freeing up Mrs Jones to focus on visibility and public engagement.
Mr Kenny added,
“One area of focus for the deputy commissioner will be the engagement with health services. Mental health, and the impact on policing, are significant.
“Understanding the long term approach to crime prevention achieved by adopting a public health approach is key.”
Cllr Norton was contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service for comment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
