THE new £50,000-a-year deputy police and crime commissioner for Cheshire has been confirmed following the county’s first open recruitment process for the job.

Councillor Sareda Dirir will step up to the role this month after officially being offered the role.

Police and crime commissioner David Keane said Ms Dirir ‘exceeded the criteria set’.

He said: “I received a strong and varied field of 21 applicants.

“Four applicants were interviewed in January by myself, assisted by a team of independent advisors.

“Throughout the process Sareda showed herself to be an outstanding candidate and exceeded the criteria set.

“Sareda has worked across the private and public sector and her many years of teaching experience coupled with her passion for equality and diversity issues will be a great asset, as will her experience of working as an advocate for under-represented groups.

“I have no doubt that Sareda is going to be a fantastic addition to my team and will support me in delivering better outcomes for our communities in order to make Cheshire a safer place.”

The decision comes after the crime panel interviewed Ms Dirir on Wednesday, February 22. 

In a letter published by the BBC, the chairman of the panel Howard Murray wrote to the PCC explaining how Ms Dirir ‘failed to demonstrate an adequate knowledge and understanding’ of the role.

But it was also noted that Ms Dirir meets the ‘minimum standard’ required for the role according to the police and crime panel.

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