HUMBERSIDE Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove has defied opposition views over the appointment of a Conservative colleague as his deputy to hand him the role.
Mr Grove announced the decision five days after hearing the views of the area's Police and Crime Panel, who were against the appointment.
East Riding councillor Paul Robinson's 12 years as a local councillor, plus an extensive knowledge of community work, made him an ideal candidate, said Mr Grove.
Although the panel has no legal powers to veto Mr Grove's choice for the £45,000-a-year role, eight members voted against the appointment, with just one member supporting it, saying Mr Robinson did not have the right experience.
But Mr Grove said his colleague has run a successful local business for more than 20 years and was an integral part of the team supporting Mr Grove prior to his election.
He said: "The people of East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire elected me to be their voice in ensuring the safety of their community.
"The enormity of this role is not lost on me and I need a deputy who I can rely on to challenge me on the big issues, to be a critical friend and lead on significant areas of work.
"My judgement is that Paul fits this role and can deliver everything I need to be delivered. I know that Paul's vast experience, skills and deep understanding of community safety issues fit the role of deputy. The work he has done with me since the election has left me even more convinced of this."
