Police and crime commissioner announces pregnancy

Derbyshire's police and crime commissioner (PCC) has announced she is expecting her first child.

Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, who was elected to the role in 2024, is due to give birth in early 2026, according to a spokesperson for her office.

She is the second PCC to have a baby while in post, after Merseyside's Emily Spurrell in 2024, the spokesperson said.

They added Ndiweni-Roberts would remain in post and "continue to make to make all strategic decisions throughout her maternity period".

Those decisions will include maintaining regular meetings with the chief constable of Derbyshire Police as well as receiving briefings from her office and officers within the force.

Ndiweni-Roberts will also continue to attend all meetings with the police and crime panel - which is made up of councillors within the force area and two independent members.

The office of the police and crime commissioner (OPCC) said with no current legislation regarding maternity arrangements for PCCs, local measures were required.

"We are confident that the plans in place will provide the necessary leadership and governance," a spokesperson said.

The OPCC said it had sought advice around maternity provision for PCCs from various sources, including from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and the Home Office.

Legal advice was also sought to ensure the PCC's arrangements complied with statutory requirements, the OPCC said.

A spokesperson added: "She's excited to become a mum and looks forward to what this new chapter and motherhood will bring."

Merseyside PCC Spurell previously said the lack of maternity leave provision could put off anyone intending to become a parent from standing for office.

Spurell added at the time there was "no guidance" about what PCCs in her position were supposed to do.

The Home Office said previously it was up to PCCs to "determine their own arrangements for any period of absence".

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