Two Brighton and Hove councillors have been picked to hold the new police and crime commissioner to account.

Ben Duncan – who currently sits on the Sussex Police Authority – and Warren Morgan will represent the city on the Police and Crime Panel.

Their role will involve making recommendations to the Police and Crime Plan and overseeing complaints.

They will also have the power to veto the new commissioner’s choice of chief constable.

Councillor Duncan said: “The changes being made to the police are enormous, and will have a significant impact on policing decisions in Sussex.

“With the transfer of decision-making from a cross-Sussex representative group of members, to one individual, there’s concern that policing needs like those of Brighton and Hove might be missed.

“This is where the role of the panel members becomes crucial in scrutinising decisions.”

Coun Morgan said: “I want to give local people a voice and make sure the commissioner delivers safer streets and effective, accountable and visible policing in every community and neighbourhood.

“As a former member of HQ staff, I want to make sure the commissioner recognises the importance of high quality support for our police officers, and that budget cuts should not mean an ever increasing reliance on private security companies.”

An election will be held across Sussex to appoint a Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex in November.