Bid for police and crime role

The Bath councillor whose current brief includes transport and the environment is bidding to become the next police and crime chief for Avon and Somerset. Mark Shelford, an Army veteran of 32 years, has been selected as the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate for Avon and Somerset. He was chosen by local Conserv- ative members following a series of three meetings in Bristol, Somerton and Bridgwater. He will contest the next PCC election in May 2020, aiming to take the role from Independent Sue Mountstevens. Mr Shelford’s stated priorities include fighting for a better deal for the police, probation and prison services, protecting and hopefully boosting officer numbers and working closely with sister organisations to tackle crime. He also wants to focus on combating drugs and rural crime, supporting vulnerable people and building closer links with hard-toreach groups. In his post at Bath & North East Somerset Council he has been responsible for transport and the environment – at a time when the clean air zone pollution charging scheme has been one of the most high profile pieces of policy in the city in years. In a recent interview he underlined his commitment to the environment and explained why he lobbied for sustainability to be entrenched in council decision making. “I’m delighted and proud to be selected as the Conservative PCC candidate and I can’t wait to work hard on behalf of residents across Avon and Somerset,” said Mr Shelford. “The Conservatives are the party of law and order and I’ll be doing everything I can to work with the police, government and other partners to tackle crime and keep people safe. “Local people are asking for more visible policing and it’s time for a change.”