Conservative Kathryn Holloway has been elected as the new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire.
She toppled Labour’s Olly Martins to take 47,397 votes compared to his 44,514 after the count was taken to the second round because neither candidate secured more than 50 per cent of first phase votes.
“We would like to congratulate Kathryn on her success and look forward to meeting her in the near future,” says Jim Mallen, chairman of Bedfordshire Police Federation, “As the voice of the Force’s constables, sergeants and inspecting ranks, we are committed to forming an effective working relationship with the new PCC so that we can best meet the policing needs of the communities we serve.
“The last five years have seen unprecedented cuts to police budgets and widespread reform of policing, both of which have had a huge impact on Bedfordshire’s police officers and the service they have been able to provide. The Force has been under incredible pressure so it will be interesting to hear Kathryn’s plans for her term in office.”
Turn-out across Bedfordshire was up on the last elections with 23.7 per cent turning out to choose their PCC.
The newly elected PCC said: “Firstly, I want to thank everyone involved in the count. I want to thank my husband Andy, my kids Sam and Rory and my fantastic campaign manager John Young. “Lastly, a message for the criminals of Bedfordshire, I will support my Chief Constable fully and we are coming for you."
The rest of the votes cast in the first round saw Linda Jack (Liberal Democrats) receive 12,413 votes, Anthony Strachan (UKIP) win 11,012 votes and Toni Bugle (English Democrats) secure 6,569 votes.
Police and Crime Commissioners were introduced by the Conservative Government in 2012 to replace police authorities. They ensure the Force is held to account and that the policing needs of communities are met as effectively as possible.
However, the Chief Constable remains responsible for the running of the Force and operational policing. PCCs are responsible for appointing and dismissing chief constables, holding them to account for the performance of the Force, setting the Force’s strategy and policing priorities and ensuring value for money policing.
