The proposed new deputy police and crime commissioner lives in the same small Hertfordshire village as commissioner David Lloyd.

Flamstead-based David Gibson has been named as the commissioner’s preferred candidate for the role, which will be full time with a salary of £50,000 - £30,000 more than former deputy Rachel Frosh, who was paid for two days a week.

Mr Gibson was a BBC News journalist for 27 years before leaving the corporation in April.

He is a Flamstead Parish Councillor, was a primary school governor for many years and is also a community first responder with East of England Ambulance Service.

Fourteen people applied for the role and four shortlisted candidates were interviewed by Mr Lloyd and his chief executive Roy Wilsher.

The position has been vacant since Dr Rachel Frosh quit the post in February following controversy over her Twitter account.

Mr Lloyd said: "I am delighted to recommend David Gibson as the best candidate for my deputy role.

"All interviewed candidates performed well.

"The chief executive Roy Wilsher and I agreed that David demonstrated the best overall fit to the job description and requirements for a Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner."

Mr Gibson will now be presented to the police and crime panel on Thursday, July 25 for ratification. The panel has three weeks to comment but could decide on Thursday to endorse the appointment.