Stephen Mold Explained

Stephen Mold
Office:Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner (until 2018)
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (since 2019)
Term Start:12 May 2016
Term End:8 May 2024
Predecessor:Adam Simmonds
Successor:Danielle Stone
Party:Conservative
Birth Place:Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Profession:Politician
Nationality:British

Stephen Graham Mold (born January 1968) is an English Conservative politician who served as the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire from 2016 to 2024. He was elected to the post on 5 May 2016, succeeding the previous incumbent, Adam Simmonds.[1] He was re-elected in 2021.[2] he was succeed my Danielle Stone after not standing in the election.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Mold was born and raised in the United Kingdom. His educational background includes studies in business and management, laying a strong foundation for his future career in public service. He has a passion for community service and leadership, which has driven his various professional pursuits.

Career Before Public Service

Before entering the public sector, Mold had a successful career in the private sector, focusing on technology, leadership and management. His experience in strategic planning and operational management provided him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public administration and governance.Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire

Election and Mandate

Stephen Mold was elected as the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Northamptonshire in May 2016.[3] He was re-elected in May 2021,[4] demonstrating strong community support for his initiatives and leadership. As PFCC, Mold was responsible for ensuring that the police and fire services in Northamptonshire are effective, efficient, and accountable to the public. On 1 January 2019, governance of the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) transferred to Stephen Mold as the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissionerafter the Home Secretary approved the Local Business Case to transfer governance arrangements from Northamptonshire County Council.[5]

Controversies

As PFCC, Mold purchased a building for use as a repair facility for police and fire service vehicles. Purchased for £3.3 million in 2021, the office of the PFCC spent a further £1.3 million on VAT, stamp duty, and design work. In 2023 the building was put up for sale at a loss.[6]

In July 2023, Mold appointed Nicci Marzec to the position of Interim Fire Chief for Northamptonshire following the resignation of Mark Jones. The appointment was criticised by the Fire Brigades Union due to Marzec's lack of "operational understanding of the role".[7] Marzec stood down after ten days in office, with Mold citing that their "friendship" had "become the story".[8] However, other media outlets reported that the two are in a "long term relationship", forcing Mold to issue a denial.[9]

In March 2024, Mold announced he would not stand for re-election in the upcoming may election, after a scandal where he used a sexist slur against the new Fire Chief for Northamptonshire [10]

Notes and References

  1. News: Sam . Wildman . Stephen Mold declared new Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner . Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph . Johnston Press . 6 May 2016 . 10 June 2016.
  2. News: Elections 2021: Tories win Northamptonshire police commissioner vote . BBC . 10 May 2021 . 27 July 2023.
  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2016-36017930
  4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-57056759
  5. https://www.northantsfire.gov.uk/transparency/
  6. News: Northants police commissioner's £3.3m unused building to be sold at a loss . BBC . 13 June 2023 . 27 July 2023.
  7. News: Union calls on Northamptonshire PFCC to resign after interim fire chief quits . BBC . 18 July 2023 . 27 July 2023.
  8. News: Nicci Marzec: Interim fire chief steps down amid friendship speculation . BBC . 17 July 2023 . 27 July 2023.
  9. News: Stephen Mold: "I'm not in a relationship with Nicci Marzec" . BBC . 21 July 2023 . 27 July 2023.
  10. News: Northants commissioner Stephen Mold 'will not stand again'. BBC . 16 March 2024 . 20 March 2024.