THE Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner says there "aren't enough hours in the day" to meet the communities he represents and a deputy is needed.

Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is looking for a deputy commissioner to provide "strategic advice and insight on a wide range of topics and support him in engaging and consulting with the public".

Mr Macpherson said: “Since the introduction of PCCs in 2012 the role and responsibilities have been greatly expanded by the government.

“I agree with the idea of giving local communities more say over policing and the justice system and it is crucial that I hear back from the public.

“I am committed to stepping up engagement and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day for me to meet the communities I represent.

“The estimated population of Wiltshire and Swindon now exceeds 700,000 and it takes seven MPs to represent the people who live here.

“To ensure the public are getting the very best service and have more interaction with my office I have decided that the time is right to appoint a deputy PCC.”

The successful applicant will work 14 hours a week and will be paid £18,000 per annum.

Candidates are expected to share Angus Macpherson’s vision and values for successful policing and criminal justice.

Sixteen of the 41 PCCs in England and Wales have deputies. The mayors of London and Greater Manchester have a Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.