David Keane distances himself from Cheshire Fire leadership role

The PCC for Cheshire has ruled himself out of leading fire services in the region.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane has no immediate plans to lead the Cheshire Fire Authority.

Mr Keane, has been offered the opportunity to join the authority later this year, however he has moved to end speculation that he is seeking a leadership role.

Under new Government guidelines – expected to come into force in the autumn – Mr Keane could apply for full membership of the fire authority, subject to approval.

Current members would then have the option to decide on how much of a role Mr Keane would have in directing fire services policy in Cheshire.

However a spokesman for Mr Keane has confirmed that whilst he has been granted rights to attend and speak at Cheshire Fire Authority meetings, he has no voting rights and has no intention to change the current arrangement.

The statement confirmed that Mr Keane wished to continue the collaborative work between the two agencies in future.

“Cheshire Constabulary and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service currently have one of the most ambitious collaborative programmes in the country, that has already delivered significant, innovative joint working arrangements, including the protection of front line services.”