New Herts deputy police and crime commissioner is Broxbourne Borough Council leader Lewis Cocking

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has appointed the leader of Broxbourne Borough Council as his new deputy.

Conservative Cllr Lewis Cocking succeeds David Gibson, who decided to stand down following Mr Lloyd's re-election in May for a third term.

"I'm delighted to have Lewis working beside me as his interests and strengths complement my own," said PCC Lloyd.

"He will be particularly useful in engaging with younger people across Hertfordshire. This is important for me as they are disproportionately involved in the criminal justice system, both as victims and perpetrators.

"Given his expertise and involvement in local government, he will also play a key role in ensuring that we work in ever-closer collaboration with partners from district and borough councils, the county council, health and the third sector to reduce crime and put victims at the heart of everything we do."

Conservative Mr Lloyd added: "I would like to thank former deputy David Gibson for his hard work and unwavering support over the years. He played a pivotal role in keeping people safer and reducing crime in the county."

Cllr Cocking, who will be leaving his job as a policy, communications and funding manager with a global low-carbon energy and services company, said: "As a resident of Hertfordshire, I feel extremely proud and privileged to serve the residents as the deputy police and crime commissioner.

"I'm excited to hit the ground running, delivering on the commissioner's vision for policing in Hertfordshire, putting victims at the heart of everything we do and creating Hertfordshire's largest-ever police force, ensuring that the county is an even safer place to live, work and visit.

"Practically, I want to enhance the work of engaging with young people across Hertfordshire."

Cllr Cocking's appointment was endorsed by the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel. He is expected to take up his role by September.