MERSEYSIDE'S second Police and Crime Commissioner will start her term in offce today.

Emily Spurrell will take her official Oath of Office in a short ceremony at Merseyside Police Headquarters in Liverpool.

The oath is designed for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to set out publicly their commitment to serving with integrity.

The declaration echoes the commitment police officers make to serve every member of the public impartially, while at the same time recognising the importance of the operational independence of the police service.

It commits her to represent all sections of society, to work to cut criminal offences and to give a voice to victims of crime.

The Declaration of Acceptance of Office is also an important symbol of the Police Commissioner’s open and transparent approach, and the aim of being truly accountable to the public.

Emily, who succeeds Jane Kennedy in the role, said: "I am honoured to make this public commitment to the people of Merseyside today as I officially start my term as the region’s Police Commissioner."

The Labour candidate and former Mossley Hill Councillor took 57% of the vote in last week's elections and was declared as Merseyside’s second Police Commissioner at the count on Saturday at Liverpool Tennis Centre in Wavertree.

She continued: "Throughout my campaign, I have promised to be a visible and proactive Police Commissioner who focuses on the issues that matter most to local people and, in return, the public have given me their backing to do this important job for the next three years.

"I am committed to doing my very best to connect with local people, to represent their views on policing and community safety issues and be a champion for victims and our communities.

"This oath is an important commitment to acting with integrity and diligence in my role and I pledge to stand by each and every word of it throughout my three years in office.

"I can’t wait to get started and I’m delighted to be joined by the Chief Constable Serena Kennedy here today as we start work together on our shared priorities to keep Merseyside safe."