The proposed new deputy police and crime commissioner has vowed to not repeat the mistakes of his predecessor.
At today’s (Monday, 25th April) Police and Crime Panel meeting in Winchester, Hampshire’s police and crime panel met to interview prospective new deputy commissioner, Councillor Terry Norton.
Conservative councillor
Cllr Norton, currently a Conservative member for Drayton and Farlington on Portsmouth City Council, was selected by his former boss Donna Jones to be her new right-hand-man, following Luke Stubbs’ resignation in February.
His resignation came following complaints about comments he made on gender equality at a meeting last December.
Teaching or two decades
Members of the panel asked him about his qualifications for the role – but also on how he would handle the position differently to Mr Stubbs.
Cllr Norton said,
“As a teacher, inclusion and diversity is something I have been teaching for two decades and I have always worked in that area.
“But the bottom line is I am appointed by the commissioner to represent her views, and in the last five or six years we have not really disagreed on anything – it’s important that we’re reading from the same hymn sheet.
“I don’t think there will be any problems at all – and ultimately I’ll be representing the commissioner and her office.”
Stepping away from committee roles
Mrs Jones informed the panel that Cllr Norton will not be standing for re-election next year, and is stepping away from positions on city council committees to concentrate on the role.
He will also leave his teaching job, should he get the position.
Speaking to the commissioner, independent panel member Shirley Young said,
“Regarding the last incumbent of the post [Luke Stubbs] I remember you saying that you trusted him and it clearly didn’t all go to plan. I wonder what you have learned from that.”
Mrs Jones replied,
“It’s sad, the way things worked out, because Luke and I have been a team for more than a decade.
“It didn’t work out how I wanted it to – there was a situation that occurred in December that ultimately led to him leaving.
“He’s still very much my friend and we still talk regularly.”
Appointment confirmed
The panel went into a private session to make their final decision on the appointment, and later confirmed Mr Terry Norton is appointed Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner with immediate effect.
On news of the confirmation, Donna Jones said,
“I’m pleased to welcome Terry to the team. He will be leading on a number of areas including the Scrutiny of Out of Court Disposals, working with health partners to aid the long term prevention of crime and representing me at Community Safety and public meetings with local councils.
“His knowledge and background will assist me in representing the public and ensuring I am aware of issues as they emerge in local communities.”
Norton: Looking forward to serving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Deputy Police Commissioner Terry Norton said,
“I am proud to be Hampshire born-and-bred. Having worked as a teacher throughout my career, I am passionate about public service and working with young people. I am committed to reducing the crimes that blight our communities.
“As the Deputy PCC I will be supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner in her drive to cut crime and make communities safer. We share the same vision and are both committed to preventing crimes happening and supporting victims when they do.
“I’m looking forward to serving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as we deliver the pledge of more police and safer streets. I look forward to engaging with Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s dedicated police officers, staff, volunteers, and community leaders.”
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
