THE Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has announced the appointment of Eleri Thomas MBE as his new deputy today.

Mr Cuthbert received 46 applications for the deputy PCC role and, following two rounds of interviews, Ms Thomas has been announced as the successful candidate.

Ms Thomas, who was the former chief executive officer and deputy children’s commissioner for Wales, was officially appointed following a confirmation hearing at a meeting of the Gwent Police and Crime Panel at Monmouthshire council’s Headquarters in Usk.

She was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2009 and was made a member of the most excellent order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to children and young people whilst head of the children’s charity, Save the Children, in Wales.

The deputy police and crime commissioner role is salaried at £52,500 and is expected to provide personal support and advice to the PCC, develop effective working relationships with partners and to resolve complex issues and problems.

Ms Thomas, the new deputy PCC for Gwent who will begin her role on Tuesday, said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Jeff Cuthbert and support him to deliver his vision and police and crime priorities for the people of Gwent.

"I am committed to ensuring that local residents have an effective and efficient police service which delivers appropriate support for victims and strives to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert, said: “Eleri is an individual with an impressive and varied range of skills and experiences and I am delighted to welcome someone of her calibre to this role.

"She will play an important part in supporting my work of engaging with as many communities as possible and in ensuring that residents have direct input into the type of policing they want to see locally.

"She will play a key role in supporting me to develop a proactive police and crime plan for Gwent as we work closely with our partners, the Force and the community to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. I look forward to working with her.”