News / Politics
Police & crime commissioner candidates 2016
Most of the attention might be falling firmly on the Bristol mayoral elections in 2016. But running alongside is the small matter of electing a police and crime commissioner.
Sue Mountsetevens has held the post at Avon & Somerset Constabulary since the role was created in 2012. The commissioner is in charge of setting the force’s budget and holding the chief constable to account among other non-operational duties.
Below are the candidates that have already put their name forward for the job:
is needed now More than ever
Sue Mountstevens – Independent
Sue Mountstevens, the current police commissioner, confirmed she would be running for re-election early in 2016 after a challenging three years at the helm where she has worked with no less than three chief constables. The first, Colin Port, walked out and attempted to take Mounstevens to court. The second, Nick Gargan, left under a cloud after being found guilty of misconduct over sexting. The third, Andy Marsh, was appointed late last year. Mountstevens has vowed to keep politics out of policing if elected again.
Mark Weston – Conservative
Mark Weston, current councillor for Henbury and leader of the Conservative group in Bristol, was the first to announce his candidacy. Weston has served as a councillor for nine years and is a member of the police and crime panel. He has promised to focus on keeping “bobbies on the beat” and cutting anti-social behaviour.
Kerry Barker – Labour
Kerry Barker, a criminal barrister whose interests lie within criminal cases involving the abuse of children, young vulnerable adults, the elderly and sufferers of dementia, was selected by the Labour Party ahead of councillor Afzal Shah of Easton and retired army colonel, Ronald Laden. He said his priorities lie with speaking with residents first to find out the best way to serve them.