Preferred appointee officially named for new role of Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime
22 May 2024
Today, Wednesday 22 May, Jo Coles has been officially nominated by York and North Yorkshire’s newly elected Mayor David Skaith as his preferred appointee to the new role of York & North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime.
The publication of the Mayor’s first Decision Notice sets the start of the formal nomination process: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/decision-notices/dn-01-ynyca-m-2024/
On 12 June at 10.30 the Police, Fire and Crime Panel will hold a public confirmation hearing to consider Jo Coles for the role of York & North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“The role of Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime is crucial, and I have therefore carefully considered who should be appointed to this role.
“In my plan for York and North Yorkshire I promised to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, in particular, focusing on the root causes.
“Today, I formally propose Jo Coles to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel as my preferred appointee to the role of Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime.
“I want to invest in our services, to keep people safe and feeling safe in our urban, rural and coastal areas. I believe Jo would be a brilliant member of our team in helping us to achieve this.
“Jo’s experience at City of York Council shows her to be a dedicated public servant committed to helping people across all communities.”
David Skaith was elected Mayor for York and North Yorkshire on Friday 3 May 2024 and on Tuesday 7 May took legal responsibility for the policing, fire and crime responsibilities previously held by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire. As Mayor, these responsibilities can be delegated to a Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime.
The role of the Police, Fire and Crime panel is to maintain regular checks and balances on the performance of the Mayor. The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel covers York and North Yorkshire and is a joint committee of the two local authorities.
A report from an independent remuneration panel will be put to the Combined Authority on 31 May and will recommend a salary for the Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime.
Jo Coles is currently a City of York Councillor, elected as Councillor for the Westfield ward in York in May 2023.
Born near Malton, Jo grew up in York before starting a political career.
Over 20 years, her roles have included posts in Westminster and the north of England such as Chief of Staff for Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP, and Adviser to then MP Ed Balls.
Jo was also Head of Communications and Campaigns for Crest Advisory, a consultancy dedicated to crime and justice. Her role included close working with Mayors and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners from around the country, and of all political affiliations, as well as supporting major public inquiries.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The York & North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning is a non-political impartial organisation, that’s purpose is to support each elected Mayor to deliver what they must do by law in relation to policing, fire crime and commissioning (their statutory duties). www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/commissioner/office/
- Police and Crime Plan: www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/police-crime-plan
- Fire and Rescue Plan: www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/fire-rescue-plan
- Violence Against Women and Girls strategy: www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/womenandgirls
- Serious Violence Strategy: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/how-can-we-help/community-projects/svd/