The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners has welcomed more public debate about creating a mechanism to "recall” an elected commissioner ifthey are unable to carry out their duties, or where there is a significant breakdown in public trust.

Police and Crime Commissioners are elected by the public to oversee policing in their regions for a period of four years.

At present, legislation only allows for a term of office to be terminated prior to the next election period in limited circumstances.

The issue sparked debate following the publication of the Jay Report into historical child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, and the subsequent Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry.

The inquiry involved Shaun Wright, previously Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for children and young people who went on to become the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

During the inquiry there were calls for Mr Wright to resign although they was no way to demand this.

Now, the Home Affairs Select Committee has issued a report, which includes a draft bill to make provision about the recall of Police and Crime Commissioners. The report is expected to be published tomorrow.


Speaking on behalf of the APCC, Julia Mulligan, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and Chair of the APCC Transparency Steering Group, said:"We welcome the thought that has gone into the Home Affairs Select Committee report and the fact that it is supportive of PCCs in principle.

"Public confidence in elected officials is extremely important and having a means of redress when serious problems occur is a part of maintaining public trust.  We are already drawing up proposals, and more public debate on the issue can only be helpful."

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and national Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: "Recent events in Rotherham showed how important it is that the public have confidence in the criminal justice and social care agencies whose job it is to protect people from harm. 

"Police and Crime Commissioners have a crucial role to play.

"PCCs are elected public servants, so there should be proper checks and balances around any specific Power of Recall. "