Liberal Democrats in Redcar & Cleveland have criticised Labour councillors for dismissing the idea of elections for police chiefs.

At the meeting of the council last week the Labour administration voted to oppose the idea of directly elected Police & Crime Commissioners, which are likely to be introduced by the Coalition Government. Labour Councillor Dave McLuckie even said that democracy was “very dangerous” and that he would like to flood Skelton with police.

Councillor Chris Abbott, Lib Dem Group Leader, said:

“Labour’s concerns are understandable, but I think they are wrong to dismiss the idea totally. I believe that elections of Police Commissioners could go some way towards reconnecting the police and the public. Several Labour MPs including Keith Vaz have said this.”

“It looks as though the Government will be going down this road, so we need to make sure the new arrangements are a success. We can do this by asking that a strong system of checks and balances is in place.”

“For example, former senior police officers must not be allowed to stand for election for a period of years.”