90pc in dark about police-crime tsars

The poll, carried out by the Electoral Reform Society, revealed that just one in 10 people had any idea about the role of a commissioner, despite their appointment being a flagship Government policy.

Turnout at the elections was just 15.1 per cent, the lowest in peacetime history, and yesterday’s figures piled further criticism on the way the Government handled the appointment to the roles.

The chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, Katie Ghose, said: “After spending £75m nearly 90 per cent of Britons have no idea who their elected Police and Crime Commissioner even is.

“November’s bungled poll failed both candidates and voters. Government mismanagement has handed our elected commissioners a poisoned chalice, and it remains unclear how they can overcome it.”

West Yorkshire’s commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, echoed criticism of the handling of the elections, but added: “The level of awareness and understanding recorded in the survey should improve with time.

“But it would be interesting to know how many people would be able to name their MP or the leader of their council.”

South Yorkshire’s PCC, Shaun Wright, added: “There can be no doubt that the election process was rushed through by the Government, and its timing was wrong. Many of my fellow Police and Crime Commissioners accept that.

“However, we have all been democratically elected, which is the vitally important aspect. I am keen to engage and make sure the priorities I am pursuing are those of the people I am here to represent.”