A NORTH Wales Police boss has overruled a crime panel and appointed his new deputy crime commissioner.

The Police and Crime Panel refused to support the recruitment of social worker Ann Griffith, originally from Barmouth, during a recent meeting in Conwy.

They acknowledged that North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones was legally entitled to make the appointment but were unhappy the role had not been advertised.

Another concern was that Ms Griffith was unable to say at the meeting she would be standing down as a councillor next May.

It has now been revealed that she will not be seeking re-election so that she can concentrate full-time on her new job as deputy commissioner.

She said: “The police and crime commissioner, elected with an overwhelming majority, has expressed his wish for me to accept the role of deputy and I am grateful for his unwavering support.”

According to Mr Jones, a former police inspector from Harlech, he was looking for a deputy with a specific set of skills.

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