Members of the county’s police and crime panel have voted in support of the appointment of a former Flamstead parish councillor and journalist as David Lloyd’s deputy commissioner.
David Gibson, of Flamstead, where Mr Lloyd also lives, will take on the role full-time on a salary of £50,000 a year.
The post was formerly held on a two day a week basis by Rachel Frosh, who resigned in February amid Twitter controversy.
Mr Gibson was voted in with eight votes in favour to three opposed, with some members of the panel suggesting a culture of “cronyism” in the appointment. The pair know each other but, speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, Mr Lloyd explained he knew many of the 14 candidates and stressed the recruitment process was an open one.
Mr Gibson said: “I am delighted to be taking up this exciting and challenging role. The commissioner has set out an ambitious and innovative police and crime plan for Herts and I will be working hard over the next few years to help him deliver it.”
