UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour will abolish police and crime commissioners by 2028, handing powers to mayors to save £100m and boost frontline policing efficiency.
As reported by The Telegraph, Labour plans to abolish police and crime commissioners, calling it the biggest policing overhaul in a decade.
The past Tory government introduced the system in 2012, putting England and Wales’s 43 police forces under elected commissioners to improve accountability and results.
The government confirmed that the 41 elected officials will remain in post until their terms end in 2028.
What did Sarah Jones say about scrapping police and crime commissioners?
Policing minister Sarah Jones said scrapping PCC roles could save £100m by 2029, enough to fund 320 additional constables each year.
She told the House of Commons,
“The model has failed to live up to expectations.”
Ms Jones praised PCCs’ contributions and service but said the system
“has weakened local police accountability and has had perverse impacts on the recruitment of chief constables.”
The policing minister highlighted that fewer than 25% of voters took part in PCC elections last year, while 40% of the public remain unaware of the roles.
She also confirmed that PCC powers won’t move to mayors in Wales, with no new mayoral positions planned.
Ms Jones thanked his
“robust attack on a policy that his own party introduced as part of the coalition.”
What did Shabana Mahmood say about scrapping PCCs?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called ending PCCs a “much-needed” reform, freeing £20m annually to strengthen front-line policing.
She said,
“PCCs were established over a decade ago by the previous government with the promise of making the police more accountable to the communities they serve. But, 12 years on, they have failed to provide the sufficient democratic oversight over local forces they were set up to do.”
Ms Mahmood stated,
“And research shows around two in five people do not even know that the role exists. Yet these are the people responsible for overseeing your police forces, ensuring they work for you and, ultimately, keeping you safe.”
She said,
“I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.”
The home secretary continued,
“I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former Police and Crime Commissioners, and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.”
What did Martyn Underhill say about ending PCCs?
Ex-Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill welcomed the end of PCCs, saying he stepped down in 2021 after two terms, calling the role “not working.”
He called the mayoral system a ‘better version” for its ability to bring in experts, but raised concerns for areas without elected mayors.
Mr Underhill slammed elected policing officials, saying it “becomes too political,” and called PCC budget powers “rubbish,” claiming central government dictated decisions.
How did Tories and Lib Dems respond to Labour’s PCC scrapping plan?
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the government of inaction, claiming they are “failing on policing” and merely “tinkering around the edges.”
He said,
“It is simply rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.”
Mr Philp claimed his administration had begun moving PCC duties to mayors but argued the shift “doesn’t truly save any money.”
Liberal Democrat shadow attorney Ben Maguire welcomed the move, saying PCCs were a “failed experiment” that burdened taxpayers.
He warned that transferring the roles to mayors “is not the answer,” saying it would give “even more power to individuals with weak democratic mandates and little oversight.”
What controversies have PCCs faced over the years?
Over time, police and crime commissioners have been involved in several controversies.
Ann Barnes, Kent’s independent PCC elected in 2012, apologised after a documentary highlighted her struggle to explain her role and policing priorities; she stepped down in 2016.
South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Shaun Wright resigned in 2014 after it emerged that over 1,400 children were abused in Rotherham from 1997 to 2013; he had led children’s services from 2005 to 2010.
Philip Allott was forced to step down as North Yorkshire PCC in 2021 after controversial BBC Radio comments on Sarah Everard, suggesting she might have been “streetwise” enough to avoid harm.
