LANCASHIRE'S new deputy police and crime commissioner could be confirmed next week.

PCC Clive Grunshaw has chosen Labour’s failed Parliamentary candidate for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, Chris Webb, as his new second in command.

Mr Webb, a former councillor in Wythenshawe, Manchester, works as UK head of office for Wajid Khan MEP, who he also represents in the UK at various meetings during his work overseas in Brussels.

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.

When Mr Grunshaw revealed his plan to reintroduce the role, Blackburn Labour MP Kate Hollern condemned the move and urged him to think again and spend the money on front-line policing.

But Mr Webb's proposed appointment will now go before the police and crime panel when it meets at county hall in Preston next week.

A report to go before the panel states: “Through his roles, especially as a councillor, Mr Webb has worked closely with many agencies to resolve issues facing his constituents. He has attended numerous briefings on policing issues and the challenges they face under cuts to funding and new reforms.

“His considerable experience of work with local communities will be advantageous in supporting the Commissioner in his commitment to wide-ranging engagement with the public, communities and partners across the county.

“Mr Webb has also joined local police officers on live city-wide operations, where he has had the opportunity to observe all aspects of policing up-close alongside them.”

If approved, the DPCC will be required to work flexibly, equating to 3 days per week and will be paid £25,750 per year.

In his cover letter to Mr Grunshaw, Mr Webb said: "Through my roles, especially as a councillor, I’ve worked closely with police officers where I regularly held meetings to discuss issues facing my constituents.

"I’ve attended numerous briefings on policing issues and the challenges they face under cuts to funding and new reforms.

"I have also joined local police officers on live city-wide operations, where I had the opportunity to observe all aspects of policing up-close alongside

them. 

If approved, Mr Webb's appointment will end either when Mr Grunshaw reaches the end of his current term of office in May 2020 or ceases to hold office for any reason.