APPOINTMENT of a deputy to South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Shaun Wright has been criticised by opposition councillors in Sheffield.
Tracey Cheetham, a Barnsley councillor and constituency manager for Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis, has been appointed to the role, which is paid a salary.
Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, Liberal Democrat leader on Sheffield Council, said: “At a time when local Labour politicians are cutting front line services, I’m sure residents across South Yorkshire will be surprised that they can still find the money for things like this.
“The Police and Crime Commissioner should be using any funding available for front line police officers rather than appointing political cronies.
“The Labour Party are proving once again they can’t be trusted with our money.”
He added: “Apart from this post being a waste of money, questions have to be asked on the selection process. What experience has this individual got to do the job?
“We only know that they are an ex-call centre manager who is now a Labour councillor with a second job working for a Labour MP. I don’t think many people would see how this qualifies someone for a post within the police that will receive a salary far higher than the average bobby on the beat.”
Ms Cheetham was unavailable for comment.
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