Police and crime commissioners to be quizzed on changes that will see role scrapped

Gwent’s police and crime commissioner is set to be quizzed by MPs over sweeping reforms to policing in England and Wales – which include scrapping her role.

Jane Mudd, who has served as commissioner since 2024, will be questioned by members of the Welsh Affairs Committee in Westminster on July 8.

The three other police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in Wales will also face questions on the day.

In England, the responsibilities of PCCs will be taken over by elected regional mayors or council leaders. However, it remains unclear who will take on these responsibilities in Wales.

The UK Government’s Police Reform Bill also includes plans to merge a number of England and Wales’ 43 police forces, but again it is unclear how this will impact Wales.

The committee will quiz the commissioners on these issues, and is also likely to ask questions on issues such as the devolution of policing powers to Wales, facial recognition technology, and how police are tackling violence against women and girls.

Newport West and Islwyn’s Labour MP Ruth Jones is the chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee. She said: “Next month’s session is an important opportunity to delve into what the UK Government’s proposed reforms could mean for policing in Wales.

“If PCCs are to be abolished, it is essential that any new arrangements ensure police forces in Wales remain clearly accountable to the public, and that communities continue to have a strong voice in shaping policing priorities.”

Ms Jones continued: We also want to explore views on the optimal number of forces for Wales, and the importance of striking a balance between efficiency and preserving a strong understanding of local needs.”

Ms Mudd said: “Welsh PCCs are committed to playing a full and meaningful role in shaping future arrangements for Wales.

“This includes ensuring continuity, stability, and democratic accountability throughout any transition. I look forward to presenting these views to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee.”

Discussing policing in Wales, Ms Mudd said it “operates within a distinct public service landscape, supported by strong, well-established partnerships between police forces and public sector organisations”.

She explained: “These collaborative arrangements are not replicated elsewhere and have been consistently recognised by successive governments as a model of effective partnership working.

“Any review of policing structures must reflect these unique strengths and be guided by evidence of what works best for the communities we serve.”