AN INVESTIGATION into improper electoral campaign spending returns in Devon and Cornwall has been handed over to West Mercia Police.

A statement from assistant chief constable Paul Netherton, said: "Following a programme aired by Channel 4 on April 20 and 21, the force received allegations relating to improper electoral campaign spending returns in Devon and Cornwall in the 2015 general election.

"It is imperative that the public and the workforce have confidence in this Force in respect of transparency, integrity and impartiality in this matter.

"Therefore, the chief constable made a decision to transfer the investigation into the allegations to another force.

"West Mercia Police have agreed to carry out the independent investigation.

"We are fully aware that there is a 12 month limitation of proceedings for certain offences, which would mean that no criminal action could be taken in relation to these offences past this point without the police applying for an extension.

"We are currently awaiting final advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, but we will work with West Mercia Police to ensure this extension is secured before the deadline."

The allegations are linked to Devon and Cornwall's new Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and the claims that she failed to properly declare campaign expenses in the 2015 general election while she was the Conservative election agent inTorbay.

She says they were part of national, rather than local, spending.

Andrew White, the OPCC Chief Executive, has also made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) regarding Alison Hernandez over the election expenses.

Mr White has been given delegated responsibility from the Police and Crime Panel to deal with the processing of any complaints or issues relating to the conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner on their behalf. 

In line with that delegation Mr White has been in full consultation with Mr Croad, as Chair of the Panel, regarding the handling of this matter.

In any instance where there is a potential serious conduct issue regarding a serving Police and Crime Commissioner the matter must be referred to the IPCC. 

This referral will also ensure the independence of any investigation that may become necessary and will also protect the Police and Crime Commissioner from any undue interference from others. 

The IPCC will now take this matter forward in line with their own procedures.

Assistant chief constable Paul Netherton added: "We have also spoken with the Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Police.

"They have today announced that they have made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) regarding the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez.

"This referral has been made in full consultation with the chair of the Police and Crime Panel, councillor Roger Croad and is in line with statutory process."