Elections for police role

THE first ever elections for the newly-created positions of Police and Crime Commissioners are now less than four weeks away.

Candidates have until Friday to declare their intention to stand for the position, with elections taking place on 15th November.

The role of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) replaces that of the existing Police Authority and means that one person will be responsible for holding the Chief Constable and police force to account on the public’s behalf.

They will also oversee how crime is tackled in their county and aim to make sure the police are providing a good service.

Several candidates have already stepped forward to be the PCC for Notts.

These include ex-Sherwood MP Paddy Tipping, who is standing for the Labour Party, and Newark and Sherwood District councillor Tony Roberts, standing for the Conservatives.

Mr Roberts was chosen to stand for the Tory party after it was announced in August this year that former Bassetlaw Council leader Coun Mike Quigley had pulled out of the running after a ‘minor offence’ committed over 40 years ago.

Home Office rules say anyone convicted of an offence which could attract a prison sentence cannot be a candidate.

There are also two independent candidates - Dr Raj Chandran, a retired GP and former police surgeon and ex-cop Malcolm Spencer, who served with Notts Police for 30 years.

In Derbyshire, five candidates have already put their names forward.

These are Alan Charles for Labour, David Gale for UKIP, independents Rod Hutton and Rob Lane and Simon Spencer for the Conservative party.

To be formally nominated, candidates need to have their nomination signed by 100 people who are registered to vote in the force area where they intend to stand.

They also need to give a deposit of £5,000 which will be returned if they receive more than five per cent of the votes.

The role of Police and Crime Commissioners was created with the passing of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act by the Coalition Government.

Though PCCs will be responsible for scrutinising the police force and Chief Constable, new Police and Crime Panels will be formed to hold the PCC to account on behalf of the public and providing a ‘check and balance’ role.

People on the existing electoral roll will be able to vote in the PCC elections next month.

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