‘Business as usual’: Police commissioner reacts after hearing role will be abolished

‘THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTION’: Jonathan Evison, who will be the region’s last police and crime commissioner

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison has said he remains committed to public safety after it was announced all PCC roles will be abolished from 2028.

The independent system of oversight and scrutiny by directly elected commissioners was introduced by the Conservatives in 2012 and covered all 43 police forces in England and Wales.

Labour Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced today the role would be scrapped ahead of the next PCC elections scheduled for May 2028, which will not now take place.

It is not yet clear what they will be replaced by, although their responsibilities are expected to transfer to directly elected mayors, their deputies, or newly established police and crime boards, the latter reflecting a model closer to the former police authorities the PCC system succeeded.

Announcing the change, Ms Mahmood said PCCs had “failed to provide the sufficient democratic oversight they were set up to do”.

In a short statement posted on social media platform X, the Home Secretary said: “I am abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners.

“For over a decade, they have overseen our police forces but have failed to provide the sufficient democratic oversight they were set up to do.

“A change that will save us millions and see money reinvested into frontline policing.”

Responding to the announcement, Mr Evison said: “While today’s announcement signals the end of the PCC role, our commitment to public safety remains unchanged. Until 2028, we will continue to deliver on our Police and Crime Plan, hold the Chief Constable to account, and ensure that the voices of our communities are heard.

“We will work closely with government and local leaders to guarantee a smooth transition that strengthens policing and keeps people safe.

“Importantly, I want to reassure victims of crime that service provision and support will remain at the highest standards throughout this transition.”

He added: “I want to reassure the public that business will continue as usual during this transition. All core services – including emergency response, crime investigation, victim support, and community safety initiatives – will remain fully operational.

“Our teams are committed to maintaining high standards of service delivery, and there will be no disruption to policing or public safety.”

Mr Evison, a Conservative Party candidate, has served since May 2021 having won two successive PCC elections. He succeeded Labour’s Keith Hunter, who was PCC from May 2016 to May 2021.

The first Humberside PCC was Matthew Grove (Conservative), who held the post from November 2012 to May 2016.