The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has proposed a Deputy PCC to join her team, it was announced today.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is 26, will become the youngest Deputy PCC in the country and will provide crucial support to the Commissioner with a particular focus on engaging with young people.
The role will also support the PCC on other key priorities such as violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, rural crime and pet theft.
Her nomination for the deputy position will go before the county’s Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing at their next meeting on June 30.
Ellie has a background in policy, communications and youth engagement, and has worked in both public and private sector roles. Having joined the UK Youth Parliament in her early teens, she is experienced in voicing concerns for young people and representing others at all levels.
Ellie has a degree in Politics and a Graduate Diploma in Law. She has previously worked for the National Citizen Service and her most recent role was in digital design and communications.
Speaking of her decision to nominate a deputy, PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Ellie’s skills and experience make her the obvious choice, and I have seen first-hand the energy and commitment that she would bring to the post of deputy.
“A key part of her role will be about engaging with our residents in Surrey and in particular reaching out to our young people. I know she shares my passion to make a real difference to our communities and I think she will be a great asset to the PCC’s team.
“Ellie will be a fantastic deputy and I look forward to proposing her appointment to the Police and Crime Panel in June.”
Ellie was at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne Headquarters in Guildford this week to meet some of Surrey Police’s young Volunteer Police Cadets.
Outlining her plans for the role, she said: “I am honoured to have been nominated for the Deputy PCC role and I’m really excited about helping Lisa build and deliver her vision for policing in Surrey.
“I am particularly keen to enhance the work the PCC’s office does with young people in our county, and it was fantastic to meet some of the Cadets this week and learn about the role they play in the Surrey Police family.
“I aim to hit the ground running and be out and about with the PCC engaging with residents and communities across Surrey to make sure we reflect their priorities going forward.”