Former parliamentary candidate set to be named new deputy PCC

Saqhib Ali is set to be named as the new deputy police and crime commissioner, we can reveal.
Saqhib Ali with Ed BallsSaqhib Ali with Ed Balls
Saqhib Ali with Ed Balls

Mr Ali, who stood for Labour in North East Bedfordshire in May, has been recommended to the post by PCC Olly Martins.

The appointment is set to be rubber stamped by the county police and crime panel on November 5.

Mr Ali will become the first deputy since the departure of Tafheen Sharif, who resigned in August 2014 after allegations that she had used her position to interfere in the Atif Ali trial.

Ms Sharif, who earned £36,000pa for her four day a week role, was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the IPCC.

A draft agreement between Mr Martins’ office and Mr Ali will see the new deputy work three days a week for £30,281pa.

Pro-rata his equates to £50,469pa.

In a report to the police and crime panel Mr Martins states that the “salary and employer on-costs can be accommodated within the existing budgetary

provisions.”

He adds that Mr Ali, who is vice chairman of Wixams Parish Council, has “experience of community safety and a sound understanding of complex

political environments.”

The report reads: “Mr Ali is an experienced board-level senior executive, currently employed as head of customer solutions at Lloyds Banking Group, supported by 18 years experience working for global blue chips in finance, captive finance and commercial management roles.

“(He) was a parliamentary candidate in May 2015 for Labour North East Bedfordshire and waged an active campaign, notwithstanding this is a safe majority Conservative seat.”