Kent’s first police commissioner has taken a swipe at her counterparts in the UK – to justify renewing six-month contracts totalling more than £70,000 for two special advisers.

Police boss Ann Barnes again signed them up this week in roles that will last until early November.

Each will be paid £35,400, the same as their previous six-month deals.

The initial ones were dubbed ‘jobs for the boys’ as both men assisted her in the election campaign for commissioner.

He also stood as the Lib Dem’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and the Weald at the last election.One of the two is Peter Carroll, who, with actress Joanna Lumley, successfully campaigned for Gurkhas to have the right to stay in the UK.

The other is Cranbrook business man Howard Cox.

Explaining her decision to retain them, Mrs Barnes told the KM: “Every commissioner in the land needs a support team behind them, with the right skills and expertise.

“I have made the decision on a short-term basis to fill the gaps in my office – I shall be recruiting for permanent posts in the autumn, when my new chief of staff is in post to advise on this process.”

She added: “I am NOT appointing a deputy commissioner or assistant commission

On Wednesday, Mrs Barnes plans to speak to members of the public in the Mayor’s Parlour, Gibson Drive, in Kings Hill.ers, unlike my fellow commissioners from party political backgrounds.”

Those who wish to talk to her can book a one-to-one appointment at the surgery for 20 minutes.

Sessions will run from 10am to 3pm. Contact: 01622 677055.