Labour crime tsar who moaned about 'savage frontline cuts' to police funding ... trends now
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A Labour crime tsar who bemoans a lack of cash for her force has bought a £50,000 campaigning campervan with taxpayers' money.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, who was caught up in the Keir Starmer 'Beergate' controversy, got the VW Transporter van to enable her to 'engage with the public'.
Ms Allen spent more than £100,000 of taxpayers' money on services for her office and engaging with the public, accounts show.
The figure includes spending on media advice, a leadership training programme and a graphic designer in her first two years in post.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen (pictured) was accused of spending money that could have been used to hire five police officers to tackle crime instead
The VW Transporter (pictured) is estimated to cost up to £50,000
The van was to enable Joy Allen to 'engage with the public'
She also spent £3,000 of public money on a toy manufacturer and distributor for 'engagement purposes'.
The Tories accused Ms Allen of spending money that could have been used to hire five police officers to tackle crime instead.
Deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis said: 'We all know that Labour hasn't changed, and this latest disgraceful farce from the Durham Labour PCC just reminds everyone that the Labour Party's special talent has always been spending other people's money.
'In this case - it's the hardworking people of Durham & Darlington that have had to the foot the bill.
'Whilst Conservative PCCs are working hard for the people in their areas, lowering crime and taking care of their local communities, Labour PCCs can't even be trusted to spend taxpayers
