HAMPSHIRE’S Police and Crime Panel has recommended the appointment of Flick Drummond to the role of deputy police and crime commissioner for the county.

The panel reviewed the proposed appointment of the former Portsmouth South MP by police and crime commissioner Michael Lane during a confirmation hearing on October 6.

It has a statutory responsibility to scrutinise the commissioner’s appointment of senior officers, including whether the proposed deputy commissioner meets the required criteria and standards expected.

Panel chairman David Stewart said: “We are pleased the commissioner has recognised the need for a deputy to share the workload for this important role, and we were happy to support the appointment of Flick Drummond as deputy commissioner.

“She answered a number of challenging questions from the panel, demonstrating her professional competence, and the panel believes her skills and experience will encourage more open engagement and communication with communities and partners.”