Commissioner appoints deputy despite panel's advice

Danielle Stone said she was appointing a deputy to help her reach communities across the county

A newly elected police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) is appointing a deputy, despite a recommendation not to from the panel that scrutinises her work.

Labour's Danielle Stone said she wanted to appoint Marianne Kimani to the post, to add "additional skills and talents" to the office of the PFCC.

The commissioner had been accused of "cronyism" over her proposal to make a failed Labour parliamentary candidate her deputy.

A meeting heard her Conservative predecessor Stephen Mold had not appointed anyone to the £55,000-a-year position during his term in office.

Marianne Kimani, who came second to the Conservatives in the Daventry constituency, is due to start in the role of deputy commissioner this week

Ms Stone appeared before the panel for the first time since her election victory in May.

Mr Mold had not sought re-election after he made misogynistic comments about chief fire officer Nikki Watson.

Concerns were raised at the meeting that Ms Kimani's CV had not been made available for scrutiny.

Following the meeting, the police, fire and crime panel recommended that Ms Stone did not appoint Ms Kimani.

In a letter to the panel, the commissioner said: "I note that some panel members would have welcomed further paperwork, but I am content that all legal duties were complied with for this appointment."

The decision whether to appoint or not ultimately lies with the commissioner.

In a statement, Ms Stone said: "I note the panel's feedback, but this is a political appointment that is mine to make, and I will take full responsibility for it.

"Marianne Kimani will take up the role of deputy PFCC this week, and I have every confidence in her ability to help me and my office work with all partners to make Northamptonshire a safer place."