“Political cronyism writ large at new Tory Police Commission” Cllr Glynane

The Leader of the Official Liberal Democrat Opposition at County Hall, Cllr Brendan Glynane, has reacted with astonishment at the news that the new Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner is proposing to create 17 new jobs, several for his Conservative campaign team, costing up to £65k a year each.

Cllr Glynane said "I am absolutely stunned at his actions. All throughout the campaign he refused to say what he would do if he was elected. Now we know why! He is creating 17 jobs on huge salaries of up to £65k for his Conservative campaign team, financed by the hard-pressed taxpayers of Northamptonshire."

"Many people said they were concerned about the politicisation of the police during the election. However I don't think anyone expected this - 17 jobs at high salaries, many of them going to Tory loyalists. The Conservatives are creating an entire party political office to run our Police force."

"Even more ludicrously, one of these political appointments will be a "value-for-money" officer. You just couldn't make it up! People will be outraged and rightly so. The total cost to the taxpayer could exceed £800k per year. "

"To add insult to injury his first duty was to email existing staff and tell them there was no money and their jobs were at risk! The Conservative PCC appears to be using taxpayers money to pay for jobs for the boys and girls. This is political cronyism writ large."