An independent group has accused Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove of “falling at the first hurdle” by attempting to appoint a friend as his deputy.
East Yorkshire Independents say voters were assured Coun Grove was an “independent voice, not a professional politician” yet his first act has been to employ “a dyed-in-the-wool Conservative” who intends continuing as a councillor.
The group supported retired Humberside police chief superintendent Paul Davison.
Chairman Peter Hemmerman said: “It is clear that this role of commissioner is descending into a party political farce as we feared when it was first mooted. We could have two politicians who know nothing about policing telling the police how to do their jobs.
“It’s a sad day for democracy and a disaster for the police force who are respected and trusted by the majority of the people of the East Riding, but will now be obliged to become another arm of the Conservative machine.”
Coun Robinson declined to comment. But chairman of Gilberdyke parish council Nick Norris said: “The criticisms are fairly childish and seem like sour grapes. I myself am non-political, but I see Paul as a man who is committed to what he does.
“I’d like to see those who comment demonstrate how much they’d achieved in their own communities. If they did as much as Paul, I’d be surprised.”
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