New Kent Police Commissioner Ann Barnes names first big-money recruits
Ann Barnes appointed
Peter Carroll, left, and Howard Cox as special advisers
by Andy Gray
Kent's first elected Police Commissioner has added three new
big-money recruits to her team.
Ann Barnes announced two "special advisers" have been snapped up
on six-month contracts worth £35,400 each – 52% more than a
policeman's annual starting salary.
The posts have taken up by Cranbrook businessman Howard Cox and
Peter Carroll, who was Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for
Maidstone and the Weald in 2010.
Both helped mastermind Mrs Barnes's election as
commissioner.
The external consultants will train staff,
which she claimed will be cheaper than sending new
recruits on courses.
Mrs Barnes, pictured left, said: "This is an enormous task and I
require a team of people to help me deliver that manifesto.
"I am acutely aware of the need to spend every pound of
public money wisely, particularly in these times of austerity."
The role of commissioner and her team replaces 17 members of the
now disbanded Kent Police Authority.
Mrs Barnes was voted in last month in an election that
attracted a turnout of just 16.3%.
She said the move from Kent Police Authority to independent
commissioner left an underspend of £375,000, which she said will be
used to strengthen her 10-strong team.
Another new addition, Tim Thompson, has signed for an initial
seven-month period as policy and performance adviser at a cost of
£18,200.
Mr Thompson served with the Kent Police Authority with Mrs
Barnes, monitoring crime plans and force performance.
She said she also planned to use part of her £85,000 annual
yearly salary to part-fund a Youth Commissioner post.
Mrs Barnes received £29,234 as chairman of the disbanded Kent
Police AuthoritY.
14/12/12
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