In little more than a month’s time voters will head to the polls to vote for a Police and Crime Commissioner to oversee policing in Bedfordshire for the very first time.
But how much do you really know about the new role and who you’ll be voting for?
November 15 is the day that Bedfordshire votes for its first PCC, a new role which will see a sole individual responsible for hiring and firing Beds Police’s chief constable, determining policing priorities, setting force budgets and reporting on progress. The role replaces that of the current Bedfordshire Police Authority which will cease to exist.
Firstly, you need to ensure that you are registered to vote. Households in Luton should have received an annual canvass registration form in the post over the last two months – it must be returned by October 31.
Trevor Holden, Electoral Registration Officer for Luton, said: “We estimate that 10,700 households in Luton have not returned their forms. I am urging all those eligible to vote in Luton to return their form as soon as possible.”
With Friday’s deadline for candidate nominations looming there are five figures in the frame for the post.
Co-vice chairman of the British Freedom Party and English Defence League figurehead Kevin Carroll announced that he will stand for election back in July. He says he will put an end to “political correctness” and “two-tier policing”.
Lutonian Saundra Glenn is seeking donations to help fund her nomination. Independent candidate Saundra wants to “put people first”. If you wish to help Saundra call 07747 592006 or email: support@saundraglenn.org.
A former youth worker, Liberal Democrat candidate Linda Jack aims to focus on resisting further budget cuts and getting young people away from crime.
Labour’s Olly Martins says that he will fight police privatisation and coalition funding if he wins the public poll. The former Victim Support worker aims to safeguard police presence on our streets.
Policeman, postmaster, politician – the man chosen as Conservative nominee for the post, Jas Parmar, cites 33 years of public service as his inspiration behind seeking the new role. Mr Parmar had a “very very broad experience” with the Met Police in the 1980s.
> Those who have not received, or lost, the form can call the Council’s electoral registration office on 01582 510380 or print off a registration form at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. For more information on the PCC election log onto http://www.policecrimecommissioner.co.uk.