THE Office of Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) confirmed last week that the PCC, Conservative Alison Hernandez, has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The referral, by chief executive of the OPCC Andrew White, relates to allegations about election expenses and potential breaches of electoral law on expenses in the Torbay constituency during the 2015 general election campaign, where Alison Hernandez was the election agent for the Conservative candidate Kevin Foster. These allegations have been circulating since April 20 following broadcast on Channel 4 News.

The OPCC said the referral has been made in full consultation with the chair of the Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Roger Croad and is in line with statutory process, and said the IPCC will now take this matter forward in line with its own procedures.

Devon and Cornwall Police last week said it is awaiting clarification on the role the IPCC has in the investigation into allegations relating to improper electoral campaign spending returns in Devon and Cornwall in the 2015 General Election.

The Post previously reported (May 5) that Devon and Cornwall Police said it received a ‘very small number of alllegations’ following a Channel 4 News programme on April 20 and 21 and its report on electoral spending.

Devon and Cornwall Police had approached West Mercia Police to investigate elements of the allegations relating to improper electoral campaign spending returns, and the precise nature of any investigation West Mercia Police may take on Devon and Cornwall Police’s behalf awaits the confirmation from the IPCC.