Anger as by-election called to replace former Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones

Councillors are furious two people made the formal request for an election to replace Bob Jones, triggering a 35 working-day legal limit within which it must be held.

It will take place on August 21.

Mr Jones passed away in his sleep aged 59 and his death was reported on Tuesday.

He was elected in 2012 as one of a new wave of police and crime commissioners who hold chief constables to account and set force budgets.

The West Midlands PCC role has a £100,000-a-year salary.

While colleagues were mourning the Labour commissioner they were also left reeling by a clause in the statute that created the posts. The law requires that in the event of a vacancy elections are held within 35 days. But as Mr Jones was the first commissioner to die in office there was confusion over what would be required.

It was later established that the limit was working days and that it would come into effect once two West Midlands voters formally called for the election.

One of those voters is former police officer Mike Rumble, who contested the 2012 PCC election as an independent.

He then joined UKIP party months after coming last in the election.

The chairman of the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel (PCP) today hit out at Mr Rumble for triggering the vote.

Councillor Darren Cooper, who is also Labour leader of Sandwell Council, said: "We lost Bob less than a week ago. This is grossly insensitive to Bob's family who are in shock and mourning. It is political opportunism of the worst kind. It gives us very little time to deal with an unprecedented situation, not to mention come to terms with the loss of a well-respected, devoted public servant whom we all miss very dearly."

Mr Rumble said: "The legislation is quite clear that an election must be called within 35 working days and I have contacted the returning officer to alert him of his legal responsibilities."

Councillor Cooper and Mr Jones' deputy commissioner Yvonne Mosquito are covering duties in the meantime and an interim commissioner will be appointed by a vote of the PCP on July 14.