The government plans to abolish Crime and Police Commissioners when their current terms end in May 2028.

Our selfie girl says:

 “I have decided to step away from party politics and become an Independent.

“I believe it will enable me to fight to secure the policing resources we have in Devon and Cornwall – 43 per cent of which is funded by all of us through our council tax.

Why now? Has she something else in mind? – Owl

The PCC for Devon and Cornwall to serve as Independent

Bobby Angelov www.exmouthjournal.co.uk

The Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has announced that she is stepping down from the Conservative Party.

Alison Hernandez, who represents Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, will now serve the remainder of her term as an Independent, citing concerns about national changes to policing oversight and a desire to act without political influence.

Ms Hernandez, who is currently serving her third term after first being elected in 2016, said: “I have decided to step away from party politics and become an Independent.

“I believe it will enable me to fight to secure the policing resources we have in Devon and Cornwall – 43 per cent of which is funded by all of us through our council tax.

“The imminent Government white paper on policing worries me.

“Rushed timescales, work done in secret with little consultation, this feels like something being done to the police and the people, not being done with or for us.

“And the timing of the abolition of PCCs, again not planned, makes me anxious for our area.

“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.”

The change comes amid major national reforms.

In November 2025, the Government announced the planned abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) when their current terms end in May 2028.

Additional policing reforms are expected to be outlined in a forthcoming Government white paper.

Ms Hernandez has assured officers, staff, volunteers, and the public that the priorities set out in the current Police and Crime Plan will remain in place, and that her focus remains on representing the needs of the force area.

Her office is supported by a non-political team led by a Chief Executive, who will continue to carry out their statutory duties and hold the police service to account throughout her term.

Further information on the Government’s plans for the future of police governance is expected in the upcoming white paper.