Police commissioner appoints two new deputies

Rupert Matthews (left) said his new deputies would offer "complementary skills"

Leicestershire and Rutland's police and crime commissioner has appointed two new deputies to support him in the role.

Rupert Matthews said Oliver Bryan and Neetu Squire would share the deputy commissioner post following the resignation of previous holder Charlotte Chiciro in September.

The Reform UK commissioner said the pair would work part-time splitting the job, with Mr Bryan focusing on engagement and lobbying and Ms Squire taking on community cohesion responsibilities.

Mr Bryan will be paid £29,400 a year while working 18.5-hour weeks while Ms Squire will be paid £11,760 annually while working 7.5-hour weeks - salaries which Matthews said were in line with Home Office legislation.

The commissioner said he had appointed a third deputy, the Reverend Gwyn Davies, to hold a "criminal justice" portfolio.

However, it has since been confirmed Mr Davies will not be taking up the role after suffering a serious medical incident.

"I would like to wish Gwyn a swift recovery," Matthews said.

"Obviously, we are all disappointed that he cannot now take up the role, at which I think he would have excelled, but I completely understand that he is no longer able to do so.

"However, I am very pleased to welcome Oliver and Neetu to our small team."

Matthews said Mr Bryan, formerly the head of investigations for the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union lobbying group, was "highly skilled" when working in "complex environments."

Ms Squire has been a youth worker and counsellor with 20 years' experience working in the community sector, a report by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said.

Matthews said he hoped to fill the criminal justice portfolio role in the near future.

Lord Willy Bach, who was the Labour Leicestershire and Rutland police and crime Commissioner before Matthews, said: "I don't know the people Rupert Matthews has appointed but I do question why he needs two or even three deputies."