Country’s Youngest Deputy PCC, 26, Appointed by New Commissioner

Published on: 2 Jun, 2021
Updated on: 3 Jun, 2021

Deputy PCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson.

By Julie Armstrong

local democracy reporter

Surrey has the youngest deputy police and crime commissioner (PCC) in the country.

She has been appointed by Lisa Townsend who was elected as PCC earlier this month to deliver an efficient police service and make the police answerable to the communities they serve.

Mx Townsend has nominated 26-year-old Ellie Vesey-Thompson to support her work and will be able to delegate functions to her.

The deputy will support the PCC in key priorities such as tackling violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, rural crime and pet theft.

PCC Lisa Townsend

Mrs Townsend, 41, said: “A key part of Ellie’s role will be about engaging with our residents in Surrey and in particular reaching out to our young people.

“I know she shares my passion to make a real difference to our communities and I think she will be a great asset to the PCC’s team.”

The Police and Crime Panel, a body of councillors who scrutinise the PCC, does not have a veto over her decision and will be asked to formalise it at their next meeting on June 30.

Unlike other staff appointed by Conservative PCC Mrs Townsend to advise and assist her, her deputy is allowed to be political.

Ellie has a degree in politics and a graduate diploma in law and joined the UK Youth Parliament at the age of 11.

She has previously worked for the National Citizen Service and most recently in digital design and communications.

Deputy PCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson meeting some of the volunteer police cadets at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne HQ.

Mrs Townsend added: “Ellie’s skills and experience make her the obvious choice, and I have seen first-hand the energy and commitment that she would bring to the post of deputy.”

Ellie said she was honoured.  “I’m really excited about helping Lisa build and deliver her vision for policing in Surrey,” she said.

“I am particularly keen to enhance the work the PCC’s office does with young people in our county, and it was fantastic to meet some of the police cadets and learn about the role they play in the Surrey Police family.”

Former Surrey PCC David Munro did not have a deputy, but his predecessor Kevin Hurley appointed former Met Police Chief Superintendent Jeff Harris as his. He received a  £50,000 salary.

The new deputy’s salary has not yet been confirmed.

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