Lords throw out Government flagship plan for elected police commissioners

The vote, taking place on the eve of the coalition Government’s first anniversary, was defeated by 188 votes to 176 - a majority of 12.

Many had expected Liberal Democrat rebels to win amendments insisting that the controversial measures were piloted before full introduction and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg had already indicated he supported carrying out trials.

But Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Lords had “ripped the heart out” of the legislation by going further deciding police chiefs should be appointed rather than elected.

“David Cameron and (Home Secretary) Theresa May need to now recognise the strength of hostility and ditch the plans now,” Ms Cooper said.

The Labour politician added: “The Government’s policy would concentrate considerable power in the hands of one politician but with no proper checks and balances in place.”

Under the Police and Social Responsibility Bill as it stood, police and crime commissioners (PCCs) were due to be elected from May next year.

They would replace police authorities in England and Wales.

Commissioners would have the power to hire and fire chief constables and would set the police force’s budget and “strategic direction”.

But the amendment tabled by Lib Dem Baroness Harris of Richmond states that the commissioners should be chosen by a local police and crime panel.

Lady Harris, the vice president of the Association of Police Authorities, said the plan for elected PCCs could do “irreparable damage” to the police service.

“Yes the electorate can throw out PCCs after four years but that’s a very long time in policing, as well as politics, and irreparable damage might by then have been done to this precious and world-recognised jewel that is British policing,” she said.

The result raises the prospect of a major parliamentary battle, with the Government pledging to overturn change when the Bill returns to the Commons.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The election of police and crime commissioners is a clear Coalition Agreement policy.

“So while we will consider the debate in the Lords, we will look to redress this in the Commons.”