Decision to scrap PCC role 'abuse of power'

WILTSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner has slammed the government for “gross incompetence” following the announcement that police commissioners would be scrapped.

- PETER DAVISON

In a no-holds-barred letter to MPs and councillors Philip Wilkinson said PCCs were given just an hour’s notice before the government announcement was made last Thursday.

Mr Wilkinson said: “PCCs were only briefed on a Teams call by the police minister one hour before the announcement in the House of Commons that we and our offices were being disestablished and disbanded.

“There was therefore no time to prepare and brief my staff. And as someone who cares passionately about those who work with, and for me, I consider such insensitive behaviour and lack of care appalling and beyond contempt.”

The commissioner described the decision “a blatant top-down abuse of power, and claimed there was “no consultation prior to the announcement”