LANCASHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner has met with the Police and Crime Panel (PCP) for the first time.

The panel, established earlier this year, will scrutinise the work of the PCC, ensuring that decisions made by the new commissioner are in the best interests of the people of Lancashire.

The new commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, was welcomed by the panel before addressing all the members and highlighting his priorities for the coming weeks and months.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Grunshaw said: “I see my role as commissioner to work with the Police and Crime Panel. I hope we can build a strong working relationship to improve performance and deliver even better services to the communities we serve.

“A scrutiny body is vital to this role, as I want it to remain open and transparent, and so the Police and Crime panel will be fundamental to my work as commissioner.

“I do expect there will be times when we disagree but I am optimistic for the future. We share a common aim in wanting to make Lancashire a safer place.”

During the meeting, Mr Grunshaw formally declared his intention to appoint Ibrahim Master as deputy police and crime commissioner.

This proposed appointment will be put to the panel, at a confirmation hearing, at its next meeting on December 17.