Councillor made new deputy police commissioner

Leo Hammond will step down from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet

An East Yorkshire councillor has been appointed deputy police and crime commissioner for Humberside.

Leo Hammond, who was the election agent for Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison in the run-up to his re-election in May, was confirmed in the position following a hearing of the Humberside Police and Crime Panel.

Mr Hammond will step down from East Riding of Yorkshire Council's ruling cabinet, after the panel expressed concern about him performing the roles together.

Mr Evison said: "Leo’s experience within our communities will prove vital when taking on this role."

"After working with Leo for a number of years, his enthusiasm and commitment to the Humber region is evident.”

His support would provide "additional expertise and capacity to reach and engage with our residents" and "give a voice to our communities on the issues that are important to them", Mr Evison added.

Mr Hammond will earn between £37,347 and £43,230 in the full-time role, which has a fixed duration until the next election for commissioner in May 2028.

Mr Hammond, the Conservative councillor for Wolds Weighton since 2019, has held the cabinet portfolio for planning, communities and public protection since 2023.

The panel agreed that he had the skills necessary for the role of deputy, but recommended that he should step down from the cabinet.

Mr Hammond is expected to continue in his role as a ward councillor.

Jonathan Evison, the police and crime commissioner for Humberside

In recommending the appointment, the panel said Mr Evison and Mr Hammond "had worked well together over several years in previous roles" and Mr Hammond displayed "drive, enthusiasm and a work ethic which was similar to that of the commissioner".

Mr Evison had "selected the candidate based on trust and confidence in his ability to perform well in the role", the panel added.

However, the panel's report called for "evidence going forward" that Mr Hammond understood the needs of "all communities across Humberside".

Announcing the appointment, the office of the PCC said Mr Hammond "understands the issues of both rural and urban communities", having lived in both the East Riding and Hull.

Police and crime commissioners can choose to appoint deputies if required. The panel stated that there was a "clearly identified need" for a deputy to support Mr Evison "in the effective delivery of his role".

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