TRIBUTES have been paid to a councillor known as the “father of the police and crime panel” after he chaired his final meeting.

Brad Watson OBE has retired from his role as chairman of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel after deciding not to seek re-election in the upcoming West Sussex County Council elections next month.

At his final meeting in the role this month, panel members and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne expressed thanks for his efforts down the years.

Cllr Watson was instrumental in setting up the panel, chairing the shadow panel, bringing together 15 local authorities to agree its constitution before chairing the first formal meeting in November 2012.

The next panel meeting will be held on June 30 at County Hall in Lewes.