Tory candidate hangs on to win police post
Matthew Barber retains PCC role, despite seeing majority slashed
THE Conservative police and crime commissioner candidate has narrowly won the Thames Valley Police post.
Matthew Barber’s 92,000 majority was reduced to around 2,000 at Saturday’s count, which saw a 25-percent turn out.
“I am delighted to be returned to the best office in politics,” he said.
“It has been a hard-fought campaign. I’ve tried to fight positively throughout.”
“A win is a win,” he added. “The turnout is disappointing, and I think there is still work to be done to explain the role of the police and crime commissioner.”
He pledged to serve every
community, to protect people, property and continue to increase community policing.
Labour’s Tim Starkeypulled in 141,749 votes – behind the Tory vote of
144,092.
“Close but no cigar!’ he quipped as the results were clear.
“There has been a sea change in Thames Valley as a whole, which should be a safely Conservative area. I am very proud of our campaign.”
Liberal Democrat Tim Bearder polled 84,341 and a first-time issue agenda candidate, Ben HoldenCrowther, scored 46,853 for his ‘More Police Officers for Thames Valley’ stand.
“I might think about standing as a councillor,” he said afterwards.
Independent Russell Fowler got 31,460 votes.
Mr Barber added: “Over the past three years, I have worked with the brilliant officers and staff at Thames Valley Police to deliver tangible outcomes our communities can be proud of – a record number of police officers with the number in neighbourhood roles doubled, burglary rates below pre-pandemic levels, knife crime down 13 per cent, the creation of a dedicated Rural Crime Taskforce and the launch of strategy to combat retail crime.
“But I know there is more to do. I campaigned on a platform of continuing to expand neighbourhood policing, protecting communities, people and property.
“I look forward to taking this plan forward and making Thames Valley a safer place for us all.”
The results were announced by West Berkshire Council CEO Nigel Lynn, at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, following last Thursday’s vote.