PCC record-low turnout inquiry

A post-mortem was under way today into the first elections for police commissioners in England and Wales after the poll was marred by a record-low turnout. A detailed inquiry has been ordered by the Electoral Commission.

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Low turnout shouldn't 'weaken' newly elected commissioners

Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said he did not believe the low turnout in the PCC elections weakened the authority of the commissioners.

The individuals have been properly elected in a democratic process and the issue of numbers is absolutely not one for chief constables," he told BBC Radio 4's Today.

What we will be looking forward to is working with these individuals to focus all our resources on keeping the citizens safe. It is as simple and as straightforward as that.

He admitted that it was "going to be quite interesting" to have ex-police officers of a lower rank in a position to hire and fire chief constables.

"I will watch that with interest," he added.

The commissioners faced a "big challenge", he warned.

Electoral Commission 'concern' over PCC turnout

Electoral Commission chair Jenny Watson said the PCC dismal turnout was "a concern for everyone who cares about democracy" and said a "thorough review" would report its inquiry findings to Parliament early next year.

These were new elections taking place at an unfamiliar time of year, which is why we have made clear at every stage that it would be important to engage effectively with voters.

The Government took a number of decisions about how to run these elections that we did not agree with.

But what is important now is that the right lessons are learnt: we will talk to voters, candidates and returning officers to understand what worked and what didn't.

– Electoral Commission chair Jenny Watson

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Turnout concerns mar PCC elections

A post-mortem was under way today into the first elections for police commissioners in England and Wales after the poll was marred by a record-low turnout.

Only around one in seven bothered to go to the ballot box, forcing David Cameron and Conservative ministers to defend a flagship policing reform and deny the role lacked a popular mandate.

Ballot boxes for the position of Police and Crime Commissioner in Humberside are counted.
Ballot boxes for the position of Police and Crime Commissioner in Humberside are counted. Credit: John Giles/PA Wire/Press Association Images

A detailed inquiry has been ordered by the Electoral Commission, the watchdog accusing the Government of failing to listen to its warnings about potential problems.

Independents were the big winners, a number of former senior police officers and an ex-judge among 12 non-party candidates chosen for the new £100,00-a-year jobs.

Another scored a surprise victory over Labour in the Bristol mayoral election.

The other Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) - which replace police authorities for all forces outside London - are either Conservative (16) or Labour (13).

Independent becomes PCC in Avon & Somerset

Independent candidate Sue Mountstevens has become the first Avon and Somerset Spolice Commissioner.

For further reaction and analysis on this result visit ITV Westcountry.

Labour candidate Mark Burns-Williamson has won the PCC race in West Yorkshire.

For more on this result visit ITV Tyne Tees.

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Independent becomes Kent Police & Crime Commissioner

An independent candidate has won the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner election:

There is more coverage of the PCC election in Kent on ITV Meridian.

The Conservatives have claimed another victory - this time in Cheshire.

There is more coverage on his victory at ITV Granada.

While Labour won Nottinghamshire:

For further reaction and analysis on these areas visit ITV Central.

Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire results declared

Independent candidate Alan Hardwick has been elected as the new PCC in Lincolnshire.

However it was a Conservative win in Northamptonshire, with Adam Simmonds being elected.

For further analysis and reaction on these results visit ITV Anglia.

Former Conservative wins PCC election in Norfolk

A former Conservative has won the police and crime commissioner (PCC) election in Norfolk.

Stephen Bett was a Conservative Party member for 27 years. He served on Norfolk Police Authority for 16 years including six as chairman and also represented the Tories at county council level.

But earlier this year he resigned from the party and quit the county council whip to run as an independent candidate in Norfolk's PCC election.

For further analysis and reaction on this result visit ITV Anglia.

Ex-police commander and RAF officer among new PCCs

The Conservatives have won another Police and Crime commissioner election, this time in Cambridgeshire:

Read more about him at ITV Anglia.

A retired RAF serviceman has become the Police and Crime commissioner for Leicestershire:

There is more reaction at ITV Central.

A former Scotland Yard borough commander has been appointed the PCC for Surrey:

There is more coverage of the PCC election in Surrey on ITV Meridian.

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