But with a rousing speech in Dresden Mrs Merkel seems to have regained her authority and won back her credentials as the main opposition candidate for the chancellorship.
The police authority said Mr Crompton had "fantastic credentials and experience" and faced a "difficult test in guiding South Yorkshire Police through a tough economic climate".
Mr Ashington said he hoped the case would serve to remind people to check the credentials of financial advisors with the Financial Services Authority (FSA).