Labour police jobs claim is branded ‘dishonest’

“No, I don’t accept Labour Party figures,” Mr Herbert said. “I think it is better to wait for official figures. We have never said we can guarantee police numbers and nor has the Opposition said that.

“Actually, I think this is totally dishonest on their part. Firstly, because it denies their responsibility for bequeathing the country the deficit we are having to deal with.

“Secondly, because they too have said they would cut police spending by over £1bn which is what the inspectorate (HM Inspectorate of Constabulary) says can be saved by the police in making efficiencies. Of course that would mean a smaller workforce.

“But I think it would be quite wrong to imply there would be this impact on frontline policing which every chief constable is determined to prioritise (against).”

The Government’s spending review set police budget cuts at 20 per cent by 2014-15. Ministers have said they aim to avoid any reduction in the visibility and availability of police on the streets.

According to Labour’s research, which looked at all 42 police authorities except for British Transport Police, a total of 10,190 police officers are to be cut.

The Association of Chief Police Officers said it would not be commenting on the dispute. It has previously said the cuts meant “difficult choices” for forces in the coming years.

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said the “consequences of such harsh cuts to the frontline is finally hitting home”.

“We have in the past been accused of scaremongering when we voiced our very real concerns. We were not,” he said.

“Such harsh cuts to policing will result in a change for the worst which could compromise public safety.”

Yesterday, North Yorkshire Police, which plans to shed 350 police civilian jobs amounting to a quarter of its non-frontline manpower, said it would be inappropriate to comment while the consultation was under way.

Comment: Page 10.