Elected police chief quits after complaint

Crime chief quits after complaint over social media messages

Peterborough’s elected crime chief sensationally resigned on Monday after a complaint to police was made about messages he sent on social media.

As exclusively revealed by the Peterborough Telegraph, police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite quit the £85,000 a year role four days after he had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an alleged criminal offence.

Initially there was secrecy over the reasons for the referral with the IOPC only revealing that it was about a “public complaint” into Mr Ablewhite’s conduct, while the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner refused to disclose any information.

However, the IOPC on Tuesday issued an updated statement which said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct is independently investigating the alleged conduct of the former police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Cambridgeshire following a referral by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Panel.

“The referral followed a complaint made by a member of the public to Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

“Initial information indicates the former PCC exchanged a series of messages with the adult member of the public last month through social media. The IOPC oversees the police complaints system and investigates the most serious incidents and complaints involving the police.

“All our work is done independently of the police, government and interest groups.

“The IOPC oversight of PCCs is outlined in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 which states we can only investigate the conduct of a PCC if there is an indication that a criminal offence may have been committed.

“Our investigation is in its early stages and we are in the process of gathering information.”

Conservative Mr Ablewhite was elected in 2016 having previously been leader of Huntingdonshire District Council. As his resignation came less than six months before scheduled elections next May the police and crime panel will shortly appoint an interim to fill the role before the public can vote on a permanent replacement.

It was also revealed on Monday that a letter sent by Dorothy Gregson, chief executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, to the police and crime panel had said the allegation against Mr Ablewhite had been assessed as being potentially criminal.

Cambridgeshire police said: “This matter has been referred to the IOPC, therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

Mr Ablewhite’s time in office saw him lead the takeover of the governance of the county’s fire and rescue service from the Fire Authority.

He has yet to comment on his resignation despite being approached by the PT.

Former police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite