THE nominated candidate for a £50,000-a-year deputy police and crime commissioner job in Cheshire meets the ‘minimum standard’ required for the role according to a crime panel.

Sareda Dirir, who is currently a councillor in Salford, was provisionally offered the job by the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Cheshire David Keane following a recruitment process earlier this year.

It is understood the force received 21 applications for the role with four candidates shortlisted to go through to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Each candidate was questioned by a panel including the PCC as part of a 45-minute interview as well as taking part in a 10-minute presentation.

It was following this process that Ms Dirir, who has worked as a journalist and a teacher, was provisionally offered the role with the PCC describing her as an ‘outstanding’ candidate.

But prior to officially being offered the job, Ms Dirir faced a series of questions from members of the police and crime panel which was established to keep a regular check on the performance of the commissioner.

In a letter published by the BBC, the chairman of the panel Howard Murray wrote to the PCC explaining how Ms Dirir ‘failed to demonstrate an adequate knowledge and understanding’ of the role.

He also expressed ‘surprise and disappointment’ at the way the proposed candidate answered certain questions during the confirmation hearing.

During the 50 minute crime panel meeting, Ms Dirir was questioned on a range of subjects including her work history as well as questions about her parents Linda and Allin Dirir.

The couple both work as Labour councillors for the Penketh and Cuerdley ward in Warrington.

Mr Keane is also a ward councillor for this area.

During the hearing, Conservative councillor Andrew Dawson questioned Ms Dirir on whether ‘people may think you only got the job because of the link the police commissioner has with your parents?’

Ms Dirir, who has a degree in English and classics and two post-graduate degrees in teaching and media and communication, described the question linked to her parents as ‘not respectful or appropriate’.

The Warrington Guardian spoke to Cllr Dirir who said she would not be able to comment at this time.

During the meeting Ms Dirir outlined her suitability for the role and discussed her involvement with the operation of a police hub at a school in London.

She said: “I have been involved with a lot of big projects for big organisations.

“I have taken crucial roles in these projects.”

Ms Dirir added: “I’m a Cheshire girl. Born at Warrington Hospital.

“Born and bred, brought up, educated, lived and worked in Cheshire.

“I’m very, very passionate about the county.”

While a number of concerns were raised in the letter, it was noted how Ms Dirir 'energy and passion' would help her to succeed in the job.

Mr Keane was asked to respond to questions about the letter from the chairman.

He said: “It is not appropriate to comment at this point as the process is still on-going.

"An official announcement will be made as soon as I have made an appointment.”

To watch the crime panel hearing click here.