Appointment of new Lincolnshire PCC deputy did not have police and crime panel’s backing

A Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire has been appointed today (June 8) – despite not receiving key backing.

The Lincolnshire Crime and Crime Panel acknowledged that Stuart Tweedale had many skills but it could not support his appointment because he “did not demonstrate an understanding of the principle of personal; independence required to undertake the role”.

Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, who made the appointment, said: “I am grateful for the Police and Crime Panel’s involvement in Stuart’s appointment.

“It is regrettable that due to restrictions within the legislation, the panel were placed in a very difficult position of passing judgement on Stuart’s suitability based on the narrowest of criteria, which do not include the key aspects required to excel in a role which I know he will.

“During the election period I was honest with the public about my intention to appoint a deputy. Stuart will be a vital and visible part of my pro-active crime prevention agenda, overseeing rural issues as well as leading on community engagement work to ensure that people of all ages from across the whole county have an input into the type of policing they receive.

“Stuart is already concentrating on getting on with the role.”

Mr Tweedale said: “I’m excited to be starting work.  I look forward to very quickly getting out and about and hearing what the public want from their police service.”