Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland about appointments made by him; whether any such discussions included (1) disqualifying factors for prospective employees, and (2) the need to seek employment references prior to appointment; and if so, what were the results of those discussions.

As the directly elected, local representative for policing, it is for PCCs to make decisions about the appointment of their staff and the size, composition, and resourcing of their office.

PCCs are required by legislation to seek the views of their Police and Crime Panel (PCP) when appointing senior positions within their office. The PCP must hold a confirmation hearing in public with the proposed candidate, and subsequently produce and publish a report and recommendation for the PCC on whether the PCP supports the proposed senior appointment. The ultimate decision on appointment lies with the PCC, and they may accept or reject the recommendation made by the PCP.