I READ with interest the letter of February 25 from an interested party in the election of Julia Mulligan as police commissioner – a process that was decried by the executive councillors and James Alexander, then by all and sundry within The Press letters.

The necessity for a commissioner means one ultimate figure is now responsible, not only for the appointment of a new chief constable, but also with the extended remit to make finite conclusions on operational conduct of North Yorkshire police.

This role previously never existed.

A police commissioner supersedes the police authority which only had authority over the chief constable’s decisions; a fundamental governmental change has taken place.

This should give more accountability and transparency towards police operations.

Previously, authority decisions were made by their privately elected professional members from outside the police, within meetings conducted in camera. Questions posed could govern answers given, on which the authority acted.

The commissioner is not incapable of selecting a new chief constable. All candidates may be exemplary.

That decision is affected in light of the fact that two previous chief constables departed in unusual circumstances.

Therefore the commissioner and the crime panel have this time to make the right decision. Third time lucky?

Mr A Jordan, Carr Lane, Acomb, York.