Commissioner faces fresh call to resign

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POLICE and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore is facing fresh calls for his resignation after it emerged a group of county councillors are set to table a motion of no confidence against him.

The Labour Group at County Hall want to see Mr Longmore step down as West Mercia's PCC along with his deputy Barrie Sheldon whose appointment has triggered the move.

Mr Longmore has faced fierce criticism for pressing ahead with the appointment of his friend Mr Sheldon to the £50,000 post amid accusations of 'cronyism'.

His refusal to back down has prompted Labour councillors to submit the motion of no confidence which they hope will secure cross-party support when it goes before full council next Thursday (Jan 17).

Although the council has no power to force the two men to resign, if successful it would be another blow to Mr Longmore just two months after he was elected to the post.

He has already faced fierce criticism over the appointment of Mr Sheldon from the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel which said he had not gone through a 'competitive and transparent process' and urged him to consider other candidates.

But Mr Longmore - who is legally entitled to directly appoint his deputy - chose to stick with Mr Sheldon.

In a joint response they said they were 'disappointed' by the motion and asked to be judged on their achievements over the next three and a half years.

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