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BoJo "big fan" of Devon police commissioner

WATCH: PM gives thumbs up to Alison Hernandez

It's often the kiss of death for beleaguered politicians...the prime minister has thrown his weight behind Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner.

Boris Johnson has used his appearance at prime minister's questions on Wednesday to say he is a "big fan" of Alison Hernandez.

Mr Johnson made was responding to a soft underarm question from Anthony Mangnall, Conservative MP for Totnes, who asked if the prime minister would support  'counsel advocate' schemes, such as those introduced by Ms Hernandez in the south west.

Councillor advocates are volunteers from each council in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who provide a communication conduit between the police, the commissioner and the public.

Not surprisingly, the PM said he would support the scheme launched by Ms Hernandez, the Conservative commissioner who was re-elected for a second-term in May. He said she'd done "absolutely the right thing" by introducing the scheme and that he was a "big fan" of hers.

Every three months, the councillor advocates for each policing area meet with a representative from Devon and Cornwall Police, a Community Safety Partnership (CSP) representative and a police and crime commissioner community engagement officer.

These meetings allow them to raise issues on behalf of their council’s communities while also giving the police and opportunity to update councillors on relevant information or to request support with a specific issue. 

Members are also invited to attend regular exclusive events to gain a greater understanding of policing and how to help keep their communities safe.  Previous talks have been given by firearms officers and operators from the police’s drone team.

Watch the question and answer from PMQs here.

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