A referral regarding the Cornwall's new Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), less than a week after she took office.

Alison Hernandez, who was elected last week and sworn in on Tuesday, is being investigated as part of an expenses scandal regarding alleged electoral fraud during her party's 2015 election campaign.

Andrew White, the OPCC chief executive, has today (12/5) made the referral to the IPCC, in full consultation with the Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, Councillor Roger Croad and in line with statutory process.

It relates to allegations that Ms Hernandez, while acting as election agent for Torbay MP Kevin Foster, signed off a spending return that failed to include expenses for the Conservative Battle Bus which visited to support the campaign.

Earlier this week Shaun Sawyer, Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, confirmed that the force would be handing the investigation into alleged Conservative electoral fraud over to an independent force. Also affected by the claims are elections in Camborne and Redruth, where Conservative MP George Eustice was re-elected, and North Cornwall where Scott Mann won the seat for the party.

During a visit to Exeter today, Ms Hernandez said: "Most of all I am determined to get on with delivering my pledges without distraction.”

"I cannot allow my work, or the good name of the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, to be overshadowed by matters relating to the declaration of election expenses in last year’s general election campaign.

"Quite properly, my chief executive, Andrew White, has today referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)."

In a statement, the OPCC said: "Mr White has been given delegated responsibility from the Police and Crime Panel to deal with the processing of any complaints or issues relating to the conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner on their behalf. In line with that delegation Mr White has been in full consultation with Mr Croad, as Chair of the Panel, regarding the handling of this matter.

"In any instance where there is a potential serious conduct issue regarding a serving Police and Crime Commissioner the matter must be referred to the IPCC. This referral will also ensure the independence of any investigation that may become necessary and will also protect the Police and Crime Commissioner from any undue interference from others.

"The IPCC will now take this matter forward in line with their own procedures."