My avid reader will know that I am a long-standing critic of the process by which the 'Independent' members of the Kent Police Authority are 'selected' and that I support the government's proposals for elected police commissioners.
The Chairman of the PKA (Ann Barnes) is a long-standing opponent of elected commissioner. She receives £29,234 as chairman. Committee members receive £9,234 per annum. Clearly personal interests here which should be declared when comments are made, although I accept Mrs Barnes is expressing her principled views and is not doing so for her personal interest.
The chairman has campaigned against the government's proposals on her blog which is hosted on the PKA website. It is described as her personal blog, but should it be hosted on the PKA website?
The PKA is not supposed to express a political opinion and has received advice that to campaign against the government's proposals in their capacity as KPA members is a statement of political opinion.
The MP for Sevenoaks, Michael Fallon is reported in The Courier thus:
Mrs Barnes is entitled to her own views, but should not be using the police authority budget to campaign against the bill that's before Parliament.
(The Bill received the Royal Assent last week and the first elections for commissioners will be held on 15th November 2012.)
A complaint on this matter is being considered by the KPA Standards Committee. Wonder how long that will take?
KENT COMMUNITY ACTIVIST: acerbic, carping, caustic, curmudgeonly,critical, cynical, grumpy, moaning, sardonic and plain speaking.
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