PCC Alison Hernandez steps away from the Conservatives to become Independent
Devon and Cornwall Police Commissioner outlines reasons for leaving party politics
Devon and Cornwall Police Commissioner Alison Hernandez has announced that she is leaving the Conservative Party to become an Independent politician.
Hernandez said the move is in the best interests of the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and will enable her to focus on securing resources for the area without political influence or barriers. She emphasised that she will not be joining any other party.
Reflecting on three terms as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), she highlighted achievements such as increasing police officer numbers to a record 3,610 prior to any government plans for staffing increases.
Other initiatives under her leadership included reopening 15 police enquiry offices, constructing new police stations in Exeter and Liskeard with modern facilities, and maintaining a lower crime rate in comparison to most other police force areas.
Hernandez also expressed concern over the proposed abolition of PCC roles and the lack of plans for a mayor to replace them. She raised alarm about what she described as rushed government plans outlined in an imminent white paper on policing and their impact on Devon and Cornwall.
She said: “We cannot afford for party politics to get in the way of ensuring we all work together to get the best deal for the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
Responding to her resignation from the Conservative Party, Plymouth MP Luke Pollard said: “I congratulate Alison for finally realising that party politics and police commissioners have no place together. It is something most of us knew from the start of this failed project… The sooner it’s gone, the better.”
Hernandez said she will continue to work on behalf of the two counties and the islands to secure resources and tackle priorities such as road safety, drugs, violence, theft and anti-social behaviour in the area.