THERE are fears a celebrity like Warrington’s Kerry Katona could become police commissioner of Cheshire.

Cheshire Police Federation is concerned the Government’s Police Reform Bill would replace every police authority with a commissioner elected by local people.

The commissioner would set the force budget and local strategy as well as appointing the chief constable, who would remain responsible for operational decisions.

Simon Roberts, chairman of Cheshire Police Federation, has read what turns out to be a ‘spurious’ report about Katie Price seeking office as a police commissioner, but says celebrities could stand.

He asked on the Federation’s Facebook page: “Who will stand in Cheshire? Kerry Katona is a possibility. The asylum has well and truly been taken over!

“Nick Herbert (police minister) and his friends in the numerous ‘think tanks’ that come up with these ideas must be very proud.

“This is not the common room at a private school, this is the real world and changes in the way we police need careful consideration by people with an understanding of the dangerous job officers do on a daily basis.”

What concerns Mr Roberts most is the police service will become politicised.

Among the candidates being suggested is Baroness Helen Newlove from Warrington, who has campaigned against anti-social behaviour after her husband Garry was murdered by youths in 2007.

But Mr Roberts commented: “Baroness Newlove would campaign on issues of anti-social behaviour and putting officers back on the streets.

“All these issues are very important but Cheshire police has a commitment to mutual aid with other forces, we run intelligence departments where you never see the results but hopefully they keep people safe in their beds.

“There are cross-border arrangements, tackling international drug dealers. Baroness Newlove would not win any votes by investing money in tackling cross-border armed crime.”