WEST Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner has defended appointing his Wyre Forest District Council colleague as his deputy.

John Campion’s selection of fellow Tory councillor Tracey Onslow as Deputy Commissioner was confirmed by West Mercia’s Police and Crime Panel – the body the scrutinises the work of the PCC.

But his choice drew criticism from the Wyre Forest Liberal Democrat group who said they were disappointed that he had appointed his district colleague following the final interviews which he conducted himself.

Councillor Campion said Councillor Onslow had been appointed on merit, in a transparent selection process and his decision was backed by the panel.

A shortlist of six candidates was interviewed by a panel that did not include Councillor Campion.

This narrowed the field to three candidates and the commissioner then carried out his own monitored interviews before making his final choice.

A spokesman for Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats said: “We are very disappointed to hear that John Campion has appointed Mrs Tracey Onslow, a Wyre Forest Conservative Councillor and activist, to be his Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

“The West Mercia PCC represents the people who live in four local authority areas; Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

“John Campion is a Wyre Forest DC and Worcestershire County Councillor. Tracey Onslow, is presently a Conservative Wyre Forest DC Councillor so we have a PCC and Deputy PCC who are both from the Wyre Forest area of Worcestershire.

“The Deputy PCC job comes with a salary of between £30,000 to £40,000. There was a selection process for the position of Deputy PCC and this selection process is meant to be objective, fair and open.

“Twenty people applied for the Deputy position but the process allows the PCC to be one of two people who shortlisted six candidates for interview.

“The final interview of three candidates was conducted by John Campion and the outcome was that a Wyre Forest Conservative activist will be the Deputy PCC.”

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "I promised I would appoint a Deputy in an open, transparent way that would stand up to scrutiny.

“That has been the case and is demonstrated by the backing I have received today from the panel, to whom I am grateful.

"Tracey has been appointed on merit and I believe she will make an excellent deputy who will really deliver for local communities.

“She has the drive and enthusiasm to effectively represent and engage with diverse communities right across our three counties, helping to achieve my vision for a safer West Mercia.”

He added that the new Deputy PCC role would see a £10,000 saving per year compared to the previous arrangement.

Tracey Onslow said: "I am really looking forward to getting out and meeting people and working with John, the police, PCC partners and of course our local communities, to deliver a more secure, reformed and reassured West Mercia."