Police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes to fight for re-election

THE police and crime commissioner has confirmed he will fight for re-election.
Simon Hayes Picture: Sarah StandingSimon Hayes Picture: Sarah Standing
Simon Hayes Picture: Sarah Standing

Simon Hayes won the 2012 election in Hampshire as an independent.

He will stand again as an independent in May, saying he wants to ‘keep politics out of policing’ and that the role should ‘be free from the influence of political masters in Westminster.’

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At a meeting of supporters in Havant today, he is due to say: ‘Whether we live in an urban or rural community, policing is important to us all. I believe it’s also important to keep politics out of policing and I’m proud of my achievements since being elected in 2012.

‘For these reasons, I’m again standing for re-election as police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, as an independent non-party political candidate.

‘I strongly believe your police and crime commissioner must be free from the influence of political masters in Westminster.

‘I believe in community cohesion, co-operation and consultation as the way to bring a safer, more responsible crime free society.

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‘Since being elected in 2012, I’ve created strong partnerships with councils, community croups and charities to bring social change to our communities, particularly to support young people away from offending; it’s pleasing we’re beginning now to see levels of anti-social behaviour and re-offending reduce.’

He said he set up the Youth Commission, established a police cadet force,protected neighbourhood policing and set up support for victim of domestic and sexual violence.

Mr Hayes is a previous chairman of Hampshire Police Authority, the organisation that the police and crime commissioner replaced, and has been the leader of New Forest District Council and a county councillor for Hampshire.

The candidates due to be standing in the May 5 poll include:

• Richard Adair (Liberal Democrat)

• Michael Lane (Conservative)

• Roy Swales (Ukip)

• Don Jerrard (Independent)

• Steve Watts (Zero Tolerance Policing ex Chief)

• Robin Price (Labour)

• Simon Hayes (Independent)

The Green party is not fielding a candidate.

Details of each candidate will be published in The News on Friday.