LANCASHIRE’S police commissioner Clive Grunshaw yesterday advertised for a part-time deputy – just four years after he ditched the post.

The Labour politician said the 22.2-hours-a-week post, with a salary of £25,750 a year plus expenses, was needed to help him ‘lobby government to challenge cuts and positively influence policing’.

In November 2014 Mr Grunshaw, who earns £85,000 a year, scrapped the jobs of his deputy and three assistant commissioners to save £100,000 a year.

Blackburn Labour MP Kate Hollern condemned the move and urged Mr Grunshaw to think again and spend the money on front-line policing.

Cllr Ken Hind, Tory leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: “If Mr Grunshaw has available funds they should be spent on front-line policing not creating a deputy for him, a post he decided four years ago he did not need.”

Mr Grunshaw said: “To support my work, I need a strong team to help deliver the vision and priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“Since I was elected in 2012, my responsibilities have changed considerably and in line with many other parts of the country I am recruiting a part-time deputy to support this growing portfolio of work, gain the views of the public and partner organisations and lobby government to challenge cuts and positively influence policing in Lancashire.”

Mrs Hollern said: “This is not a good use of money by Mr Grunshaw. I would urge him to think again. If he could not afford a deputy four years ago I don’t see why he needs one now.”

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones said: “This is a big job and I understand why Mr Grunshaw needs a deputy to do it.”

Cllr Hind said: “This money could reopen the front desks in Longridge and Clitheroe police stations.”

The salary of equates to £50,000 a year for a 40 hours a week full-time job.