Candidate disbarred for driving offence
A Conservative candidate in Wiltshire and Swindon’s Police and Crime Commissioner election has said he is “bitterly disappointed” after being disbarred due to a driving offence.
Jonathon Seed was the party’s candidate for the post, which has been held by fellow Conservative Angus Macpherson since 2012. Vote counting is due to take place in Salisbury today.
The Conservative Party said Mr Seed had been disbarred after a historical driving offence had “come to light”. But in a statement, Mr Seed – who was re-elected to Wiltshire Council on Saturday – insisted he had declared the conviction to the party in his application to the role, which he said he had now withdrawn from.
He said: “I have declared my 30-year-old driving conviction to the party in my applications both to be a Parliamentary candidate and more recently a PCC candidate.
“Party officials confirmed my belief that my offence did not disqualify me. I have now been advised that this is not the case, and that I am disqualified as a PCC candidate. I have therefore withdrawn.
“I am bitterly disappointed that I will not be able to take up the post if I were to be elected. I wish the successful candidate every success in the role.”
The legislation creating police and crime commissioners puts a stricter bar on historic offences, even if spent, than other elected positions.
The Electoral Commission website says candidates cannot stand for election if they have ever been convicted of an imprisonable offence, even if they were not imprisoned, or the conviction is spent.