A Sussex crime panel has voted that it has lost confidence in the regions Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, following concerns over her attendance at a recent protest.
Members of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel backed a motion to censure Katy Bourne after she attended a march opposing the use of an army camp in Crowborough to house asylum seekers. The decision follows criticism that her presence at the demonstration risked undermining the impartiality expected of the role.
The panel also raised concerns about comments made during the protest, where calls were made for asylum seekers to be electronically tagged. Critics say such remarks could damage community relations and blur the distinction between political campaigning and the independent oversight of policing.
The Sussex Police and Crime Panel is responsible for scrutinising the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner and holding them to account on behalf of the public. While the vote does not remove the commissioner from office, a censure is a formal expression of disapproval and signals significant concern among panel members.
The use of the former army camp in Crowborough has proved controversial locally, with campaigners arguing it is an unsuitable location for asylum accommodation. The government has previously said the site forms part of wider plans to reduce reliance on hotels for housing people seeking asylum.
Commenting after the meeting PCC Bourne said: “I am surprised that having supported my proposal to increase the police precept by a majority vote, some members of the Panel sought to exploit the meeting with a coordinated personal attack on my integrity.
“My role is to be the voice of the public in policing and I will continue to discharge my responsibilities without fear or favour.”
“The residents of Crowborough will have been very disappointed to see Panel members dismiss their genuine concerns and the confused attempt to portray my efforts as fuelling community tensions.”
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