Reappointment of West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime confirmed by panel
Alison Lowe has been reappointed as West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
She will serve for a further four years supporting the mayor to improve policing and tackle crime across the region.
Ms Lowe was put forward for the role again by Mayor Tracy Brabin following her re-election in May.
The reappointment was ratified unanimously by members of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel on Friday (June 14).
Ms Brabin said: “It’s fantastic that Alison has been confirmed today and we can continue working closely to make our region a safe, just and inclusive place to live.
“Anyone who has worked with the deputy mayor will know the passion, dedication and expertise she has brought to the role.
“I’d also like to thank the panel for its decision and believe it is a real testament to the importance we place on partnership working as we look to deliver on our shared vision for a safer, fairer West Yorkshire that works for all.”
In her role, Ms Lowe works with the mayor to oversee policing on behalf of the West Yorkshire public as well as commissioning services such as those to support victims of crime and reduce reoffending.
She said:: “I’m grateful to the panel for its decision so I can continue working with Tracy to ensure we have a policing service that works for everyone.
“Thank you to the mayor for reappointing me and giving me the chance to see more of the pioneering projects we began in her first term brought to fruition.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to restate my commitment to be a strong voice for all our communities across West Yorkshire.”
Prior to becoming deputy mayor, Ms Lowe worked with voluntary organisations for nearly 30 years, including as chief executive of Touchstone, a mental health and wellbeing charity covering West and South Yorkshire.
She also represented Armley on Leeds City Council from 1990 to 2019.
Chair of the panel, Councillor Eileen Taylor, said: “The panel are delighted to endorse the appointment of Alison Lowe as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
“Alison responded incredibly well to the panel’s challenging questions around how she would personally support the mayor in tackling key issues on policing and crime in West Yorkshire building on her knowledge and experience of her previous term.
“The panel felt that the extensive experience, skills and knowledge as well as lived experience that Alison talked about, equip her well for this role. The panel welcome Alison’s clear passion and commitment to work with victims, communities and partners which came across throughout the hearing.”
Cllr Taylor added: “It was a unanimous decision to endorse Alison’s appointment and we look forward to working with Alison and Mayor Brabin to ensure the best outcomes for policing and crime are secured for the people living and working in West Yorkshire, for a further term.”
This year, the mayor and deputy mayor will be asking for the public’s views on producing a new Police and Crime Plan, which will include a focus on tackling serious violence and continue to prioritise the safety of women and girls.