Police commissioner to cut back bill for his office by £50,000

Shaun Wright announced yesterday that he is set to merge the two separate positions of chief executive and legal advisor into one role, when the current interim chief executive’s contract expires and his legal advisor retires.

A police spokesman said: “The new postholder will have all the necessary managerial skills as well as a strong and demonstrative legal track record as a solicitor, with a thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system.”

Explaining the move, Mr Wright said: “Rather than have two separate posts, each with a salary in the region of £80,000 per annum, I will be looking for a first class candidate who has the relevant background in both different disciplines.

“The successful candidate can expect a salary of around £110,000 per annum – saving the tax payer around £50,000.”

The new position is being advertised on the South Yorkshire Police website.

The job advert says that the postholder – who will have the job title of chief executive and solicitor – will have a “huge strategic input into the agenda and direction of the police and crime commissioner.”

Mr Wright, formerly a Labour councillor in Rotherham, took up his post in November last year when the roles of police and crime commissioners were introduced.

He was also previously vice-chairman of the South Yorkshire Police Authority.