Police Minister, Nick Herbert tells us that he considers Tom Winsor is much the best person to take over as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary. Home Sec, Theresa May agrees with him. I spent an hour with Mr Winsor a few days ago and there is no doubt that he is a confident and competent man. I didn't agree with every answer he gave but it was clear that he had thought everything through, and was not willing to back down or be bullied by MPs - especially Conservative MPs.
But the Police Federation do not accept that anyone who has not been out on the streets as a serving officer can possible do this job. Its worth repeating a statement that Chair, Paul McKeever has put out - which seems to be an attempt to 'veto' the Home Sec's prefered candidate, and have one of their own given the job instead.
Statement
The role of HMIC is one of the most important in policing. The HMIC provides advice on policing matters to the Home Sec. and if ever there was a need for sagacious advice from someone with a profound understanding of policing, it is now. We warned the Home Sec there would be riots, crime would rise, and that 20% cuts would have a detrimental effect on the policing front line, putting public safety at risk, and we were called scaremongers. We look forward to hearing from the Home Sec how the appointment of Tom Winsor provides the profound understanding of policing that is so important for public safety."
Must admit I do not remember the warning about riots - but let this pass. Neither do I recall warnings that the previous Gov't was spending so much public money that major reductions would be inevitable - but let that pass as well. The reality is that the Conservative Party, in its manifesto, and later the Coalition Government promised to reform the police force and make it more 'accountable' to the public. Its true that in general the Police do not like this, but that's democracy. Seems to me that the appointment of Tom Winsor is a statement of intent by the Home Sec. that she will not forced into a U-turn on police reform. There's going to be a bit of a rumpus over this I suspect.
4 comments:
While I'm a Labour voter and detest most of the things that your government is doing, the Police have needed to be brought under public scrutiny for a long time. I support everything that Theresa May is trying to do with policing.
The way Home Sec, Theresa May was heckled recently by the Police was a very bad example for our Country. Well done her she is not intimidated.
The law of the land is for us ALL.
Anon - I agree that the Home Sec should do her job and not be intimidated by anyone. I do not think trying to veto the appointment of the person who has emerged as the best canidate (reportedly 'head and shoulders' in front of anyone else) is a very smart move. But I do not like being involved in such a multi-faceted dispute with our police. We depend on them
How about the behaviour of the PM - calling Ed Balls a 'muttering idiot'. I thought his Bullingdon yob days were over? Clearly not!!!
RS
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