THE Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) in West Yorkshire has been confirmed.

Alison Lowe was nominated for the role by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire and today received the approval of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.

As Chief Executive at Touchstone, a mental health and wellbeing charity based in West and South Yorkshire, she specialised in working with diverse communities.

Ms Lowe has also worked with voluntary organisations for nearly 30 years and represented Armley on Leeds City Council from 1990 to 2019, as well as serving as Chair of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel for five years.

She will officially start in August, working with the Mayor to oversee policing across the county.

Other key functions include commissioning services to support those harmed by crime and reduce reoffending, consulting the public on their views and priorities and strengthening links between the police, local communities and partners.

Ms Brabin said: “It’s fantastic that Alison has been confirmed in role today and we can now get to work tackling some of the issues that matter most to our communities.

“She comes with a great deal of understanding and expertise having worked in the voluntary sector and as a local councillor for 30 years.

“I am assured of the skills, commitment and expertise that she will bring to this role, providing strategic direction, leadership and embedding our values during what is set to be a challenging and complex period of recovery from budget cuts and Covid.”

Ms Lowe added: “I am extremely honoured to have been officially confirmed in role and I cannot wait to get going.

“The Mayor has pledged to recruit 750 more police officers and staff, as well as putting women and girls at the heart of the Policing Plan.

“I am very excited to get to work with her in making these things a reality, as well as championing inclusivity.”

Chair of the Panel, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, said “The panel are delighted to endorse the appointment of Alison Lowe as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.  Alison responded incredibly well to the panel’s challenging questions around how she would personally support the Mayor in tackling key issues on Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire.

“The panel felt that the extensive experience, skills and knowledge that Alison has in a number of relevant fields, equip her well for this role.  Panel welcome Alison’s clear passion and commitment to work with victims, communities and partners which came across throughout the hearing. 

"It was a unanimous decision to endorse Alison’s appointment and we look forward to working with Alison and Mayor Brabin to ensure the best outcomes for Policing and Crime are secured for the people living and working in West Yorkshire.”

Chief Constable John Robins QPM, said: “I would like to congratulate Alison Lowe on her appointment as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime for West Yorkshire. She has extensive and valuable experience in some key areas, and I wish her every success in her new role.

“I look forward to working closely with Alison and am keen to share ideas on how we can continue to provide the best possible service to our residents and communities across the county.

“We remain committed to reducing crime, protecting the vulnerable and make our communities in West Yorkshire feel safe.”