A LEADING Conservative county councillor is vying to become the new West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner after winning his party’s selection contest.
At a meeting of party members on Friday (October 2) Coun John Campion was selected to contest the election which is due to be held in May next year.
The Tory councillor currently sits on Worcestershire County Council and serves as the cabinet member with responsibility for children and families.
Coun Campion believes his work on the council and on the former police authority will work in his favour when voters head to the polls.
“I have a track record of delivery in local government from leading a district council, to chairing the finance committee on the former police authority and holding senior cabinet roles at the county council,” he said.
“I have over a decade of working with my local community and I have shown I can shape their views to influence local services.”
The Conservative candidate attacked current commissioner Bill Longmore, who has said he will only serve one term in office, for appointing his former campaign manager as his deputy.
“I would say I will bring transparency and openness to this important leadership role, I for example would run an open interview process to find a deputy, rather than just appointing ‘on the nod’ to a close associate as the current incumbent did shortly after being elected,” Mr Campion added.
Police and Crime Commissioners were brought in by the Coalition Government in 2012 to replace the police authorities, with MPs claiming they would be more accountable and visible compared to the previous system.
Ahead of the May 2016 poll Coun Campion has announced a few details of what he will do if elected, before he releases a full manifesto in the next few months.
“Organised and serious crime, low level but antisocial crime in our rural and urban communities, such as antisocial behaviour in our town centres and speeding in rural villages, that affect quality of lives and how victims are supported.”
