HUMBERSIDE police and crime commissioner (PCC) Matthew Grove has dismissed suggestions of cronyism in the appointment of his deputy Paul Robinson.
He was responding to a progress report on the impact of PCCs published by the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) this week.
The report suggested perceived cronyism could be levelled against Mr Grove for his appointment of fellow Tory East Riding Councillor Paul Robinson as his deputy.
The HASC report says: "The fact PCCs are free to appoint whoever they choose as deputy has inevitably led to public concern over a lack of transparency and, in some cases, accusations of cronyism, which have been damaging to the reputation of commissioners.
"In three cases (Humberside, Sussex and West Mercia) such appointments have taken place despite the police and crime panel recommending against."
But Mr Grove insists the appointment of Mr Robinson was purely on merit.
He said: "The rules on the appointment of deputies were clearly set out and I followed the detail and the spirit of the guidance I received.
"The role of commissioner is a huge task and I appointed a deputy on merit with a specific remit of working with local authorities and community partners to get a better service for residents. He has not let me or the public down."
The HASC report suggests the concept of PCCs remains "on probation" two years after the first elections. It said a poor turnout meant the value of PCCs would be doubted until more voted.
The HASC said it hoped turnout would be better at the May 2016 elections.
Chairman Keith Vaz said "urgent reforms" were needed and existing police and crime panels, which scrutinise the work of PCCs, should be able to veto appointments.
Mr Vaz said police and crime panels needed stronger powers to scrutinise PCCs' removal of chief constables.
The committee also recommended newly elected PCCs should be given a month between polling day and taking office to receive training.
But Mr Grove believes having the PCCs is the right system.
He said: "For the first time, residents have a single individual, accountable to them, who is their voice on policing and crime prevention in their area."
He welcomed the suggestions in the HASC report. He said: "The report highlights the positive differences PCCs have made and also some areas where improvements need to happen.
"I am certain the Government will look at any changes that need to be made before the next election in 2016.
"Independent scrutiny body CoPaCC has examined whether commissioners are doing business transparently and how they engage with the public.
"In both reviews, I was ranked second nationally. My role is to ensure the public receive an effective and robust police service and I am here to hold the force to account on behalf of residents."
'Appointing allies is within letter of law' Bernard Rix, the chief executive of CoPaCC (comparing PCCs) said: "This was a very helpful report by the Home Affairs Select Committee.
"There are improvements, both to the mechanics and individual Police and Crime Commissioners, that can be made.
"Regarding the issue of cronyism, it seems many PCCs have been appointing allies as deputies, which is within the letter of the law.
"But the report suggests the deputy any PCC wants to appoint should be revealed before the election takes place.
"Mr Grove has performed well in other areas, such as transparency. Some PCCs have been very poor in many areas. This is both the strength and weakness of the system where so much depends on one individual."
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