Post will be political one

RESPONDING to Ian Johnston’s letters of July 24 and July 25
and your news item ‘Top Tory recommends support’ for the
candidacy of this particular ex-policeman as a commissioner –
is he soliciting finance in this venture? Would this not
adversely impinge upon his claim for independence?
The Act is the brainchild of a right-wing organisation and has
underlying political undertones. It is naive to think
otherwise. The Police and politics, including their internal
ones, have been entwined even before Sir Robert introduced
Peelers.
Involvement in these and federation issues, however much
disclaimed, is a hazard to avoid in respect to the functioning
of a commissioner.
The revelations emerging during the Leveson Inquiry resonates
with my view and I point out, too, that the characteristics set
out in broad terms in my letters are derived from the
responsibilities set out in the Act, so it is not surprising
that in the selection of the candidate of my choice, these
aspects concurred.
Disingenuous is not therefore the word to apply: consistent
with the stated objectives fits the bill.
Whatever Ian Johnston says, immersion in police issues over
forty years is a baggage very difficult to discard.