Ex-policing minister: Key test will be if PCCs cut crime
The former policing minister Nick Herbert, who oversaw the implementation of the concept of Police and Crime Commissioners, has tweeted 10 points about today's elections. They include:
3. Around 5m votes cast for PCCs. Each elected PCC will have more votes in numerical terms than any MP (obv constituencies are bigger).
From @nickherbertmp on Twitter:9. Idea that turnout in first election is test of PCC policy is wrong - key test will be how successful PCCs will be, esp. in cutting crime
From @nickherbertmp on Twitter:10. This reform is happening - police authorities are going & 41 PCCs taking over. Now we should focus on what the newly elected PCCs do.
From @nickherbertmp on Twitter:
Politically historic moment overshadowed by poor turnout
This unique experiment in democracy won't be remembered for the first police commissioners, but for how little it caught voters' attention.
Prescott loses bid to become PCC
Lord Prescott has lost his bid to become the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.
A guide to the Police and Crime Commissioner elections
A guide to the elections for Police and Crime commissioners in England and Wales, taking place tomorrow.