Who will be our next Police and Crime Commissioner?

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

In 2012, only 15% of the Lancashire electorate bothered to vote in the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

That was because they were poorly advertised and few people had any understanding of what the role entailed. I sincerely hope there is greater public interest in the elections in May 2016.

Sometime ago, I gave up arguing that the role should be disbanded, as that clearly was not going to happen, I think it’s now essential to recognise the PCC has a very important role and it’s vital Lancashire has a group of high quality candidates next year.

My ideal candidate would be an independent and someone with wide ranging experience in the public, private and third sector. Being able to show evidence of substantial policing, political and media experience would also be a great asset. As the salary is £85,000 per year that should be sufficient to attract suitable high calibre candidates.

Unfortunately, most independents will be put off because they will be competing against the main political party candidates who will be supported by a slick and established electioneering network. It can therefore be virtually guaranteed the next Lancashire PCC will be either the Labour or Conservative candidate.

Whether Labour choose to support Mr Grunshaw for another five years will be interesting to see or it may be he decides not to throw his hat in the ring. Whatever the case, I think it’s important all political parties announce their candidates as soon as possible and preferably by no later than January 2016.

The next PCC faces serious challenges and is likely to be responsible for choosing the next chief constable, as even Steve Finnegan cannot go on forever. They will be engaged in a difficult fight with central government over funding and even to maintain the very existence of Lancashire Constabulary as a separate entity.

The next round of financial cuts will deplete our police service even further and the people of Lancashire’s safety is going to rest firmly in the hands of this individual. That is why more Lancastrians should take interest in this election and help in ensuring we get the best PCC possible.