Two weeks to go before Police and Crime Commissioner election (on 19 August)

Two weeks today on Thursday 19 August it’s back to the local Polling Station, this time to cast a vote again for Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Again five candidates will be standing but this time, instead of Jonathon Seed standing for the Conservatives it will be ex-Army Officer Philip Wilkinson. For the LibDems it will be Dr Brian Mathew, recently re-elected Wiltshire Councillor for the Box & Colerne Division. He takes the place of original LibDem candidate Liz Webster, who achieved second place behind Jonathon Seed before he had to announce his withdrawal.

For the Labour and Co-operative Party Swindon Councillor and former Mayor Junab Ali is standing again, as are Mike Rees, former senior Wiltshire Police Detective (Independent) and Julian Malins (Reform UK).

The role of Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire is far more vital and important position than is generally recognised. They represent the ‘bridge’ between the Police Force of Wiltshire and the electorate of Wiltshire, being the representative of each to the other.

Not only does the PCC cover the entire County of Wiltshire, thus covering Policing in both the Wiltshire County Council and the Swindon Local Authority areas, but the PCC is also responsible for Policing budgets across this area, and also has the responsibility of appointing the area’s top cop – the Chief Constable. Yes, it’s ‘one of those roles’, frequently forgotten, overlooked and not acknowledged, but it’s a vitally important position for us all in the Wiltshire Police area.

Hence – the importance of casting a vote on Thursday 19 for the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Details of each candidate and what their views, motivation and policies are can be accessed from the Government ‘Choose my PCC’ website, just click on the relevant candidates pic.