Kent's Youth Crime Commissioner may be forced to step down from her position amid rumours about a 'close relationship' with a married 50-year-old former Tory councillor.

Kerry Boyd, aged 20, "is not undertaking any public engagements for the time being" following allegations of a relationship with father-of-two, Robert Burgess.

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Mr Burgess told the Sun newspaper that he had been "very close" with Miss Boyd for "a good few months".

He added: "If she lost her job because of a friendship with me, that would be a shame. I am devastated.

"I care for her a lot."

The young hot-shot took over the position in April of last year - replacing Paris Brown who was forced to step down after she posted racist and homophobic messages on Twitter.

This latest scandal comes just a week after members of the public called for Miss Boyd's boss - Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Ann Barnes - to resign in the aftermath of Chanel Four show 'Meet the Commissioner'.

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The programme saw Mrs Barnes unable to describe her role as she traveled around the county in her tour bus dubbed 'Ann Force One' and left her batting off comments from critics branding her a 'female David Brent' and 'a joke.'

Mrs Barnes said in a statement: "We are supporting Kerry at this difficult time for her. We are concerned that Kerry did not feel able to disclose the full extent of her personal circumstances earlier but as enquiries are taking place it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

"As part of our support for Kerry she is not undertaking any public engagements for the time being."