Tim Passmore was re-elected as PCC earlier this year. Could the role be expanded into that of mayor of Suffolk?
Could a Suffolk-only mayor have the role combined with the existing police and crime commissioner?
That’s the model now being canvassed in both Westminster and Suffolk – and it could lead the way to current PCC Tim Passmore acquiring new responsibilities.
In other parts of the country – London and Manchester – the new mayors are taking on the responsibilities of the police and crime commissioner.
That would not be possible in East Anglia as things stand because there are separate police forces in Suffolk and Norfolk.
However if more Norfolk councils pull out of the devolution deal, that could collapse and then politicians from Suffolk will be looking for their own deal.
The idea of including police responsibilities appeals to South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge who has already raised the idea in the House of Commons.
The PCC’s office already has administrative support which could be transferred into a mayor’s office and Mr Passmore said the last four years had shown that a Suffolk-wide role could work well.
He said: “I certainly haven’t heard this is on the cards, but we have shown having a body for the whole of Suffolk can work and get public recognition.”
Such a move is also attracting support from senior council figures – former Suffolk County Council leader Mark Bee said Mr Passmore’s work in the PCC role could easily be transferred into a mayor for the county.
He said: “Tim has shown that having a single voice for policing in the county can really get things done and get decisions taken. If he wanted to stand as mayor including the PCC role I’d offer myself as his campaign manager!”
Another advantage of a mayor including the PCC would be that there was no need for an extra election – the roles could be combined within the next year and the first election could be in 2020 when the next PCC election is due.
In Greater Manchester PCC Tony Lloyd has also been acting as interim mayor for two years until the first election for the post is held in May next year.
Published by the East Anglian Daily Times.