The police and crime commissioner for Cambridgeshire is to recommend a former police officer for the vacant post of deputy.

Jason Ablewhite announced on Monday that he would be proposing Councillor Ray Bisby as his deputy commissioner, following the resignation in May of former deputy Andy Coles.

Mr Coles stepped down amid allegations surrounding his work as an undercover officer for the Metropolitan Police in the 1990s.

At the time, Mr Coles said he was “unable to comment” on the allegations but acknowledged that they were “significantly impacting” on his ability to fulfil his duties, leading to his resignation.

Cllr Bisby started his career in the military before joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary, serving for 19 years in Northern Ireland.

He moved to Peterborough in 2007 and became actively involved in voluntary work in the community, including becoming chairman of the local policing board.

He was elected councillor for Stanground South ward in Peterborough in 2015. He is also a member of the police and crime panel, becoming vice chairman this year.

The deputy commissioner’s role, which comes with a salary of £28,000, will be to support the commissioner in his role to hold Cambridgeshire Constabulary to account. Mr Ablewhite, said, “I have taken some time in deciding who to offer this important position to and Ray stood out as having the right experience and personal qualities. I look forward to Ray joining me at a time of significant change within the police and across public services as a whole.”

Cllr Bisby added: “I am delighted to be selected as Jason’s preferred candidate to become his deputy police and crime commissioner and look forward to working with him as part of his team.

“I am keen to help Jason in the delivery of the police and crime plan and ensure that the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have a police service they value and have confidence in.”

In line with procedure, the commissioner is required to formally notify the Cambridgeshire police and crime panel of the proposed appointment and they will then be required to arrange a public confirmation hearing.

Once the panel has considered the appointment, the commissioner can then make his formal decision to appoint the deputy commissioner. A decision is expected before the end of December.