Cornwall's Tory Police and Crime Commissioner could face prosecution over alleged elections expenses offences stemming from the 2015 general election.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission announced today that it had completed its managed investigation into allegations that Alison Hernandez failed to properly declare election expenses during her time working as an election agent for the Conservative candidate in Torbay.

The commission confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and said: "A referral to the CPS is made when the IPCC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed. It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether any charges should be brought, based on the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors."

The investigation into the allegations was undertaken by West Mercia Police and overseen by IPCC deputy chair Sarah Green, to avoid any potential conflict of interest that could stem from a Devon and Cornwall Police investigation.

Andrew White, chief executive for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said he wanted to "clarify a number of issues" about process.

He said: “Although the case is being referred to the CPS, at this time, no decision has been made about whether charges will be laid against Ms Hernandez. There is no presumption that their consideration will lead to a charge and even if the CPS decide to charge it may be many months before any case comes to court.

He added: “This referral does not prevent the commissioner from holding the position of PCC. If a charge is brought this remains the case – it would not prevent her from remaining in office.

“In British justice an individual is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“There is no charge, no trial and no verdict, and neither is there any impediment to the commissioner carrying out her duties as an elected representative of the people of Devon and Cornwall.”