SECRECY is surrounding allegations levelled at a police and crime commissioner charged with overseeing the North Yorkshire force.

Conservative commissioner Julia Mulligan, who has twice been elected to ensure the efficient and effective policing of North Yorkshire since 2012, is facing a grilling by the county’s Police and Crime Panel Complaints Sub-Committee over complaints.

While the number and nature of the allegations have not been disclosed, they are understood to be related to Mrs Mulligan’s conduct and members of staff or former members of staff.

When asked to comment, a spokesman for Mrs Mulligan said: “In relation to the complaint, there is very little we can say at this stage. It is a Police and Crime Panel process and, as such, we are unable to say anything in advance as it might interfere with that.”

In advance of the hearing, both Mrs Mulligan and those behind the complaints have been invited to make a statement to support their position and answer questions.

Members of the press and public will be excluded from the hearing, to be held on Wednesday, September 19, at County Hall, Northallerton, on the grounds that it would involve “the likely disclosure of exempt information” as defined by the Local Government Act 1972.

Potential outcomes of such hearings include that there has been no fault by the commissioner, that there has been insufficient injustice or that the commissioner is asked to consider giving an apology or to reflect upon practices in her office.

Should the committee find against Mrs Mulligan, the panel cannot impose formal sanctions on her as it does not have the power to do so. However, it can publish a report or a recommendation.

It is understood the panel examining the complaints will be chaired by Hambleton District Council deputy leader, Councillor Peter Wilkinson.