TWO new independent members and three additional local authority members have been approved to join the panel which scrutinises, challenges and supports the work of the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire.

Panel chairman David Stewart said: “We are delighted to welcome five new members to the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel. A number of high-calibre candidates put their names forward for the roles, which made it very difficult to choose.

“The five new members were picked for the blend of skills and experience they will bring, and I’m certain they will strengthen the panel further in its important role to scrutinise and support the commissioner.”

The two new independent members are Michael Coombes (a former finance director at Hampshire Constabulary and current chairman of governors at Sparsholt and Andover colleges) and Bob Purkiss, a former independent co-opted member of the panel who has experience in advocacy and complaints work.

The three new local authority members are Reg Barry (Isle of Wight Council and former Merchant Navy ship’s carpenter), Lynne Stagg (Portsmouth City Council and retired teacher), and Frank Rust (Rushmoor Borough Council and former RAF electronic engineer officer.