An experienced local councillor has been put forward to be the new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.

Ian Dalgarno has been nominated by PCC Festus Akinbusoye for the role, which will assist the commissioner in holding senior officers in Bedfordshire to account and delivery of his police and crime plan.

The county’s police and crime panel has been convened for a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) for a confirmation hearing, where the PCC will formally present the appointment.

The panel members will then give their feedback to the commissioner, Mr Akinbusoye, who will then take the final decision on the appointment.

The commissioner said: “The roles and responsibilities of police and crime commissioner keep expanding. Part one of the recent Home Office review of PCCs has determined that all PCCs will be required to have a deputy, and many already do.

“Given the statutory, spending and executive responsibilities I have as commissioner for areas ranging from the entire police estate to finance, criminal justice system to national policy setting, or service commissioning to partnership working; I have decided on appointing a Deputy PCC.

“Councillor Ian Dalgarno is an experienced local councillor and cabinet member, with commercial experience managing multimillion pound businesses. His experience as former chair of Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Panel also means he will bring additional scrutiny and expertise into my office to assist with holding the Chief Constable to account.

“There is a lot of work to do. The new Deputy PCC will be working closely with me to deliver on the people’s police and crime plan. I look forward to working with Councillor Dalgarno.”

Councillor Dalgarno represents Arlesey ward on Central Bedfordshire Council and is the council’s executive member for community services..

The role of Deputy PCC will be a part-time role, working three days a week on a fixed term contract to run in line with the commissioner’s current term in office.

Thursday’s hearing is due to take place at Luton Town Hall at 10am. The papers for the meeting can be viewed on the Bedford Borough Council website via Agenda for Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel on Thursday, 3rd November, 2022, 10.00 am – Bedford Borough Council