TIME has been called on the reign of police and Crime Commissioners by the government.

Introduced in 2012, they are to be scrapped by 2028 with their responsibilities switched to regional mayors or councils.

It will mean farewell to Esses Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner Roger Hurst – who recently failed in his bid to become the Conservative nominees for the new post of county-wide mayor.

Ministers say abolishing the role abolish the role will to save at least £100 million and help fund neighbourhood policing.

Policing minister Sarah Jones announced the move in the Commons on Thursday, telling MPs that the model has shown little sign of improving confidence in policing.

She said less than a quarter of voters turned out to vote for them in the 2024 elections, and two in five people are "unaware PCCs even exist".

The minister added: "The reality is that the PCC model has weakened local police accountability and has had perverse impacts on the recruitment of chief constables.

"They have failed to inspire confidence in local people, in stark contrast to the mayoral model, which has clearly been ultimately more successful."

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In a statement, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.

"I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils.

"The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities."