Two join the election battle for police role
LABOUR and UKIP have announced their candidates for the upcoming Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections.
Labour’s David Keane and UKIP’s Jonathan Starkey are hoping to topple the incumbent Conservative PCC John Dwyer and beat Liberal Democrat candidate Neil Lewis when residents go to the polls on Thursday, May 5.
Mr Keane, a councillor on Warrington Town Council, said: “I am delighted that the Labour Party has placed its confidence in me and chosen me to be their candidate for this important post.
“I’m determined to stand up and challenge the current Conservative PCC on his failure to pro- tect our local communities. The police are under huge pressures after budget cuts from this Tory Government. Current priorities need challenge, consultation and reform – this will only happen with a strong and committed Labour PCC.
“Seventeen years as a councillor working to budget pressures and responding to public needs will give me a good foundation for the work of PCC.”
Mr Starkey, a former councillor in Ellesmere Port, laid out his priorities including: Record all crime and improve ease of reporting, Be visible, approachable and alert to the communities he serves; Invest in community initiatives based on a zero tolerance approach; Use cost-effective new technology; Ensure better representation of the community and improved communica- tions; and Guarantee transparency and scrutiny of performance against an agreed Local Police and Crime Plan.
He said: “I view the role of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) as reflecting the priorities and concerns of the resi- dents of Cheshire, both town and rural communities, negating the poor perception of safety and working against all the challenges and government cuts to make safety a reality.”
“The police are also PCC constituents and their views are also important. Cutting bureaucracy, reducing target/ quota- dr i ven policing, consistently monitoring efficiency savings and investing in new technologies would greatly improve morale among our hard working officers.
“Voting for UKIP is a vote for someone whose ethos and belief is in democracy, accessibility and accountability.”
You must have regietered before Monday, April 18, to be able to vote in this election.