Other than taking Commissioner Stansfeld's account in good faith, what I find objectionable, is the arrogance. He thinks it is political mischief; so what? The other pet hate is Richard Benyon's 'it's a non-story' remark. If I was his press officer and bearing-in-mind the state of the nation's finances, let alone locally, I would have use more sympathetic language. Something like: 'we understand people's concern but we can assure you...' sounds a lot better than: 'it's a non-story'. I think the tax payer should be the one's to judge that!

Having also seen the man in action I have to agree with your assessment. As to your last statement, is he married.?

Cllr Stansfeld was not amused at fellow Councillor's actions:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-22569197

Agreed. I'm afraid it's just another symptom of the overweening arrogance of our current political leaders. They have a veneer of charm (even this is missing in Stansfield's case) their world view is, deep down, based on the idea that most of us are oiks and should be treated with contempt.

Well posted gel. I have sent a message of thanks and support to Cllr Harvey - if anyone else wants to do the same you can contact him via this page: http://www.buckingham-tc.gov.uk/whoarewede...jon_harvey.html

Excellent response which must have irritated Mr Stansfeld.
Good one.

How many people realised when voting, that when they saw Stansfeld (Con) that the wording inside the brackets was his intent rather than his party?

The story gel referenced says there is to be an independent review of his expenses claims. I wonder who the review will be conducted by. HMRC also need to take a view on what's going on because even if it turns out that the PCC is entitled to be chauffeured to work at our expense that benefit in kind may well be taxable along with the expenses claims - though I'm guessing this isn't an issue until the PCC submits his tax return.

To that, I would include the behaviour of many who hold senior positions in our public services (e.g. BBC and local authorities). After yet another scandal where people have suffered, I am sick and tired of hearing "we will learn the lessons.." etc. We do not pay these people such huge salaries for them to be on a learning curve. They are meant to be the top people in their field, experienced and competent.

While I do agree with you, not every scenario can be foreseen and if one is at the enviable position where one can know and can foresee everything then I hear there may be a space or two available in the godhood...

People are people and mistakes will always be made. The test comes from learning from and not repeating them.

They are..... at getting what they want from the system. Why do you think they want HS2.... so that the gravy train speeds their arrival at the trough? You should have realised by now that cuts only happen to us plebs not to those in a position to take advantage of their positions. Just like companies that make billions from Britain but pay very little tax......why because that is the way that politicians made it possible of course? Expenses scandal what expenses scandal? Move along nothing to see here!

Not a universal practice, it seems - Northants PCC

In relation to "new" issues, such as those caused by the relentless march of technology, e.g. Internet-based social media, I take your point.

But in instances such as those involving vulnerable youngsters being abused, I think the risks could have been foreseen. Indeed, we know that concerns were reported and yet the abuse went on for years.

Stansfeld defends poor performance:
'POLICE and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld yesterday backed his Chief Constable, claiming other forces across the country had also failed victims of child sex gangs.

Mr Stansfeld said he would not call on Sara Thornton to resign as child sex exploitation was a problem across the country.'
The 43 reported Oxford offences OK then?
Neither is the Oxon Council CEO, Joanne Simons on £200k falling on her
sword.
I see she even gets extra pay when she has to act as a returning officer; unbelievable.
The fact that these 2 senior officials are female makes their unaccountability even more unacceptable, considering who the victims were over 6 years.

Quite.

I heard a spokesman for the NSPCC on the radio last week. Unbelievably, he seemed to be more worried about being politically correct than tackling these paedophile gangs. I think our agencies have completely failed here and those in senior positions should be properly held to account.

Everyone is worried about being politically correct, especially with people out there (like many on this forum) who will take pops at anyone over almost anything they said.

At least we have you to throw a rational calming influence over those topics!

I think the Chief Constable has done a brilliant job - she's managed to get her very own private trades union representative appointed, full time!

Oh dear, is the master plan unravelling?

D a m n the democratic process