MERSEYSIDE’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy will “almost certainly” not stand for a third term, her chief executive has claimed, Kenny Lomas writes.

The former Labour MP is two years into her second term after being re-elected in May 2016. Last Thursday, members of the PCC and Merseyside Police joint audit committee discussed where the Commissioner will be housed in the short and long-term, with her current base, Allerton Police Station, currently up for sale.

Clive Howarth, chief executive to the PCC, revealed that Ms Kennedy has indicated internally that she does not wish to stand for a third term.

He also said there is potential for police governance to be transferred to the Liverpool City Region’s Metro Mayor in the future.

“Obviously, the Commissioner we have at the moment almost certainly won’t be the Commissioner we have post 2020,” Mr Howarth said.

“Due to the fact she’s indicated she won’t stand again – and also there is still potential for governance to move to the mayor’s office – so, with that uncertainty it’s difficult to kind of pin down where any future Commissioner may wish to house his or her self.”

The chief executive said the Commissioner has reserved space in Merseyside Police’s new £45 million headquarters off Scotland Road.

He said Merseyside Police’s Training Academy in Mather Avenue, which is set to be refurbished, is being viewed as an “interim location” for the Commissioner until the headquarters is completed.

Ms Kennedy told the Local Democracy Reporter Service she will take a decision on standing for a third term in “due course”.

She said: “I was elected to serve the public of Merseyside for four years and that is my focus. I will make a decision regarding offering myself for a third term in due course.”