AN acting Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been appointed for North Yorkshire ahead of a by-election later this month.

Jenni Newberry was confirmed in the role at a meeting of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel on Thursday.

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Mrs Newberry, the head of commissioning and partnerships will head the interim leadership for the Commissioner’s Office which will see the team and its services run by the executive management on a stewardship basis for the next three weeks.

Mrs Newberry will work alongside the executive team until the by-election has taken place on November 25 after which a permanent commissioner will be appointed.

The successful candidate will take office when the result is declared, expected to be on November 26.

Mrs Newberry said: “The senior team here at the Office are grateful for the Panel’s support for our stewardship proposal.

“Having been part of the Commissioner’s Office for the past eight years, I am committed to making sure people across North Yorkshire and York are safe and feel safe - I will ensure that key ambition is my priority for the short period I am Acting Commissioner.

“The commissioning and partnerships team I lead have made a huge difference to lives across this county developing and improving services for victims, the vulnerable and all those who come into contact with North Yorkshire Police, including perpetrators who are engaged with to reduce reoffending."

Chief Executive of the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Simon Dennis said: “Jenni is a public servant of the highest calibre with a background in making a positive difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

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"She deservedly has the support of the Panel to serve as Acting Commissioner, a role which must be filled from within the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

"The whole team will support her to succeed, and I thank her for her dedication, commitment and integrity in putting herself forward.”

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