DEVON and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg says he is ‘deeply disappointed’ that home secretary Theresa May has expressed ‘naked partiality’ in a statement about the forthcoming PCC elections on May 5.

In the statement, Mrs May said: “People can vote for a candidate who promises the world but delivers unsafe streets and wasted money. Or they can vote for a Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner who will work with the government to deliver lower crime and safer communities, all while providing value for money.”

But Mr Hogg said he feels the statement is divisive and that preaching a party line is unlikely to be a vote winner.

He said the progress made by all PCCs should be celebrated.

Mr Hogg stood as the Conservative candidate in 2012 and announced that he would not be standing again for the role this year.

He said: “I had imagined the Home Secretary was more concerned with the overall performance of PCCs rather than stooping to divisiveness.

“What are the public to think? Should they feel unsafe just because they have voted in a Labour, Lib Dem or Independent PCC? Is there any evidence that Conservative PCCs have delivered safer communities than others?”

“I am proud that the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners works most effectively along cross-party lines.

“One of my most respected colleagues is Vera Baird QC, Labour PCC of Northumbria.

“She is deeply committed to her community and the issues of violence against women and girls amongst others.”

Mr Hogg has announced that he does not plan to stand again for the role at the elections on May 5.

The new Tory candidate for 2016 is former Torbay councillor Alison Hernandez.

Labour and the Lib Dems have yet to declare officially who their candidates will be this year.

Former police chief Bob Spencer, who retired in 2009 as acting assistant chief constable for Devon and Cornwall, has declared he will run as an independent this year.

Mr Hogg is keen to celebrate the progress made by all PCCs, and feels the home secretary’s words are misplaced.

He added: “I signed an oath of impartiality in November 2012. I have found that party politics has no place in the role of Police Commissioner and I believe the public are likeminded.

Preaching a party line is unlikely to be a votewinner.”