THE nominated candidate for a chief of staff job in the police and crime commissioner’s office has been revealed as the former head of public protection at Warrington Borough Council.

Peter Astley has been put forward for the role, which has a minimum salary of £75,000, by the police and crime commissioner for the county David Keane.

Mr Astley was selected for the role after the force received 11 applications for the job with five people shortlisted to complete a personality questionnaire, stakeholder panel and a competency-based interview.

In a letter to the chairman of the police and crime panel cllr Howard Murray, Mr Keane outlined how some of the candidates were known to some people involved in the recruitment process.

He said: “Throughout the process those involved at the shortlisting, stakeholder panel and interview stage were asked to declare prior knowledge of any of the candidates.

“This was applicable to a number of those supporting the process and the panel may wish to be aware that I declared as having previous knowledge of Mr Astley in a professional capacity from his time as a senior manager at Warrington Borough Council.”

Mr Keane, who also works as a borough councillor for the Penketh and Cuerdley ward, previously held the role of portfolio holder for environment and public protection.

During his time at the council, Mr Astley worked as the head of public protection.

Mr Keane was subject to some criticism earlier this year after he appointed Sareda Dirir, who he had known for 20 years, as his new deputy.

In the letter, Mr Keane also outlined how Mr Astley had impressed the interview panel with his ‘leadership style and values’ as well as ‘a wealth of change experience over a decade which had been driven through the austerity challenges and the need to restructure’. 

It was also noted how Mr Astley was awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to consumers in the north west.

Before the candidate is officially appointed into the role, which has a salary ranging from £75,591 to £80,688, Mr Astley must complete a confirmation hearing with the police and crime panel. 

A number of other jobs are also currently being advertised at Mr Keane’s office, which was relocated to Stockton Heath earlier this year.

This includes a commissioning officer, governance officer, communication officer and senior administration officer.

Applications are also open for a head of governance with a salary range of £66,342 to £70,812. 

Mr Keane outlined how there have been a number of cost-cutting measures imposed in his office which includes the reduction of the chief of staff salary, which was previously £95,000.