Former Bay Councillor Resigns as Deputy Crime Commissioner

Torbay: Former councillor Mark Kingscote has decided to resign from his role as deputy police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. This comes just five months after he was controversially appointed.

Kingscote was brought on board by police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez last July to help with some leadership challenges in the police force. However, the police and crime panel didn’t support his appointment during the confirmation hearing. They felt he lacked the necessary experience to represent all residents effectively.

Despite their recommendation against him, Hernandez went ahead and appointed him anyway. In a letter, she mentioned that Kingscote resigned due to personal circumstances, though she didn’t elaborate on what those were.

Hernandez expressed gratitude for Kingscote’s help with various tasks, including scrutinizing plans and attending public events. She doesn’t plan to find a replacement deputy anytime soon.

When she appointed him, Hernandez claimed Kingscote had a unique skill set from his 30 years in the NHS, particularly in dealing with complex mental health issues. She wanted him to focus on anti-social behavior in Torbay while she managed the police force’s leadership issues.

At the time of Kingscote’s appointment, the chief constable was suspended over serious allegations, which he denies. The acting chief constable was also suspended later for misusing his work phone. Both are now under investigation.

Last month, Hernandez appointed a former chief of Dorset police as interim chief constable, a move she believes will be well-received by the community. Although she can appoint a deputy without the panel’s backing, she apologized for informing the media about Kingscote’s appointment before the panel.

The police and crime commissioner’s office has stated they won’t comment on Kingscote’s resignation, calling it a staff matter. The chair of the police and crime panel expressed surprise and disappointment, reiterating her preference for the deputy’s salary to be used for more police officers on the streets.

The role was initially set for 12 months, with the option to extend until the next elections in 2028, when the police and crime commissioner will be elected again. Hernandez, a Conservative, was elected for her third term last year.