Today’s ceremony, at which Commissioner Billings took the legal oath of political neutrality, was the point at which Dr Billings officially took office as the people’s Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

Commenting on his new role, Commissioner Billings said: “I am honoured to have been elected as Police and Crime Commissioner and I’m committed to working with all communities across South Yorkshire to bring people together to face the challenges ahead.

“I will be supportive of the police, the vast majority of whom do fantastic work, but I’ll not be part of their culture. My job is to hold them to account, particularly over Rotherham, Hillsborough and Orgreave, to make sure they are learning lessons, at the same time as supporting them in carrying out the important job they do protecting our people and our communities.

“I will be a voice for all people in South Yorkshire. I will be the people’s commissioner.”

Last week’s by-election was only the second by-election for a Police and Crime Commissioner since the introduction of PCCs in 2012. The effort of the elections teams across South Yorkshire and the team of the Police Area Returning Officer, was outstanding, with major planning required within the 35 days from the notification, resulting in a smooth election and count.

In relation to the by-election and the effort of all involved in making it happen, Commissioner Billings added: “Thank you to everyone who participated in the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner election last week and thanks too to all those involved in setting up and ensuring a smooth election process.”