Matthew ScottAt just 31, Matthew Scott is the youngest commissioner in Britain.

It is not long since he was elected, but he has not had much time to draw breath.

There have been meetings, followed by more meetings and a few more.

The job has had its critics and his predecessor Ann Barnes caused plenty of controversy.

So, what drew him to the role?

“I’ve always had an interest in policing issues and the impact they have on people – some of which came out of some of the work I did as a councillor and some because of my family,” he said.

Policing is in his family.

His father was a serving officer and his younger brother is a policeman.

Mr Scott, from Swanley, said: “I think we have a real opportunity given the powers and the role of the PCC to really make a difference, which is why I am making mental health such an issue. Working with other organisations, we can do a lot more.”

He says he has friends and family who have experienced mental illness, particularly depression.

While there is less stigma attached to the issue, the consequences of patients ending up in police cells has been well documented.

He is the first member of his family to become actively involved in politics.

He joined the Conservatives in 2001 – an inauspicious time for the party as Labour under Tony Blair was in the ascendant.

“I’d always taken an interest in politics and felt I was more in tune with the Conservative ideology about giving people more freedom and more opportunity and lowering tax.

“They are ideals I have always sought to promote, whatever I have been doing.”

He studied for a degree in public policy at Birmingham University, but his only foray into student politics was “a failed bid to become campaigns officer for the university”.

“I did get the most votes of any defeated candidate, so I didn’t do too badly as a Conservative,” he said.

Mr Scott had better luck when he stood in the council election for the London Borough of Bexley, where he served for four years as a backbencher.

It was a formative experience.

He said: “It really opened my eyes to problems around anti-social behaviour and crime. But you could make a difference.”

He became involved in running a community centre for three years, a role he preferred to the drudgery of council meetings.

He went on to work for a government whip, David Evenett MP, helping run his office.

This saw him gain first-hand experience dealing with constituents’ problems.

It is, however, a CV that inevitably raises the question of whether he has had enough experience of the real world.

He rejects the claim.

“I have worked in other roles and have worked since I was 15 and worked night shifts at a supermarket to help pay my way through university. Do I have the right balance of skills and experience? I think so.”

On paper, his rival Ukip candidate Henry Bolton seemed the better qualified, having served as a police officer and been in the Army.

Mr Scott says that misrepresents the job.

“This role is not just about one thing – it is a variety of things.

“It is about understanding policing, which I do, but it is also about victims of crime, the police complaints process, survivors of abuse.”

The commissioner’s role is likely to change, with the government expected to widen the remit and suggesting elected chiefs could even open free schools.

The idea of setting up a school for young offenders was criticised as “potty” by his predecessor Ann Barnes, but he won’t write off the idea.

He said: “It is something I want to look at. I think you can do good work if you bring in a new approach and a different ethos.

“If you can work with other organisations directly and try and come at it from not just an academic point of view but from a vocational perspective, you could give young people the qualifications they need.

“Rehabilitation is important, but so is punishment and community payback.”

He acknowledges the concern about the politicisation of policing, with the recent election seeing many independent commissioners voted out by party political candidates.

Asked if there is a danger that party commissioners will be accountable to their political masters at Westminster, rather than residents, he is firm.

“I was elected by the people of Kent and that is what I will put first. If there are moments when I need to challenge the government, I will do so.

“At the same time, I will work with MPs, councillors and ministers as part of a team.

“We hear this line about the politicisation of policing. I am quite clear. There are safeguards in place. I signed the pledge that I will not interfere.”

One sensitive issue in Kent is the claims made about Conservative election spending in a number of seats at the general election – including South Thanet.

The force has yet to decide if it will formally investigate the claims.

Mr Scott added: “I will not interfere in any investigation.

“It is for the police to decide if they want to pursue it.

“Any complaint that comes across my desk – and I have had one about this already – I will make sure is dealt with fairly.

“That is fundamentally important. The law is to be adhered to.

“Any complaint, whether it affects my party or not, will be given the same attention as it deserves and I will not interfere with any decision.”

“I was elected by the people of Kent and that is what I will put first. If there are moments when I need to challenge the government, I will do so.

As to his first priorities, he says looking at police response times will be among them, as will pursuing the government to help out with the costs to the force of Operation Stack.

“I have said the performance of the 999 and 101 services will be reviewed on a regular basis.

“I want to understand why they have gone up. Yes, there is more pressure on the police, but it is something I want to look at.”

He accepts the point that one explanation is the budget cuts forces have faced under the Conservative government but says there are other reasons.

“We have emerging issues like cyber crime, organised crime, historic child abuse – these are all extra pressures.”

As to the way he works, we can expect a lower-key approach. It is clear he is aiming for a gimmick- free term as commissioner.

TV documentary makers who pitch up at the force’s HQ are likely to be turned away.

“I don’t have any plans to do what my predecessor did.

“That is in the past now and I just want to get on with the job, meet people, hold surgeries and be accountable to the public.”

He deflects a final question about whether he is going to enjoy the job.

“I am up for the challenge. I will enjoy it where I can, but it is a serious role and I want people to see the good that it can do.”