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| Police and crime commissioner elections: who, what and why – Q&A | Police and crime commissioner elections: who, what and why – Q&A |
| (about 1 month later) | |
| What's happening on Thursday? | What's happening on Thursday? |
| The newly created post of police and crime commissioner (PCC) is up for grabs in the 41 police force areas in England and Wales, outside London. The election is being fought under the supplementary vote system, other than in areas where there are only two candidates, namely North Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Dyfed-Powys, where first past the post will be used. | The newly created post of police and crime commissioner (PCC) is up for grabs in the 41 police force areas in England and Wales, outside London. The election is being fought under the supplementary vote system, other than in areas where there are only two candidates, namely North Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Dyfed-Powys, where first past the post will be used. |
| Under SV, voters can vote for a first and second preference, although they do not have to do so. If a candidate receives more than 50% when all the first-preference votes are counted, they are elected. If no candidate secures the majority, the two contenders with the highest number of votes continue to a second round and the second preferences on the ballot papers of the eliminated candidates are counted. The candidate with the most votes at the end of this process is elected. The SV system is used to elect the mayor of London and other elected mayors in England and Wales. | Under SV, voters can vote for a first and second preference, although they do not have to do so. If a candidate receives more than 50% when all the first-preference votes are counted, they are elected. If no candidate secures the majority, the two contenders with the highest number of votes continue to a second round and the second preferences on the ballot papers of the eliminated candidates are counted. The candidate with the most votes at the end of this process is elected. The SV system is used to elect the mayor of London and other elected mayors in England and Wales. |
| The PCC role has attracted politicians, two of whom – Alun Michael and Tony Lloyd – were serving Labour MPs who had to resign so they could stand. This has triggered two constituency byelections, in Cardiff South and Penarth and Manchester Central, which are being held on the same day. Voters in Corby will also be voting for a new MP, because of the decision of the Conservative MP Louise Mensch to resign. There's also the first mayoral election in Bristol. | The PCC role has attracted politicians, two of whom – Alun Michael and Tony Lloyd – were serving Labour MPs who had to resign so they could stand. This has triggered two constituency byelections, in Cardiff South and Penarth and Manchester Central, which are being held on the same day. Voters in Corby will also be voting for a new MP, because of the decision of the Conservative MP Louise Mensch to resign. There's also the first mayoral election in Bristol. |
| What will a police and crime commissioner do? | What will a police and crime commissioner do? |
| He or she will replace the current system of 17-member police authorities, made up of councillors and independent members, one of whom must be a magistrate, which the Conservatives felt were "invisible" to the public. Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the elected commissioner will be responsible for holding the force to account, hiring and firing the chief constable, setting out local policing priorities, and for multimillion-pound police budgets. | He or she will replace the current system of 17-member police authorities, made up of councillors and independent members, one of whom must be a magistrate, which the Conservatives felt were "invisible" to the public. Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the elected commissioner will be responsible for holding the force to account, hiring and firing the chief constable, setting out local policing priorities, and for multimillion-pound police budgets. |
| In turn, police and crime panels – made up of representatives from each local authority in a police force area – will hold the elected police commissioner to account. However, they will have limited powers of scrutiny, prompting Labour to pledge transparency amid fears the setup could allow commissioners to strike secret deals on police privatisation. | In turn, police and crime panels – made up of representatives from each local authority in a police force area – will hold the elected police commissioner to account. However, they will have limited powers of scrutiny, prompting Labour to pledge transparency amid fears the setup could allow commissioners to strike secret deals on police privatisation. |
| Why isn't there an election in London? | Why isn't there an election in London? |
| Boris Johnson, the elected mayor of London, has formally held the equivalent role in London since January. He has delegated the day-to-day role at the mayor's office for policing and crime to his appointed deputy mayor for policing, currently Stephen Greenhalgh. The office is scrutinised by the police and crime committee, made up of members of the London assembly. | Boris Johnson, the elected mayor of London, has formally held the equivalent role in London since January. He has delegated the day-to-day role at the mayor's office for policing and crime to his appointed deputy mayor for policing, currently Stephen Greenhalgh. The office is scrutinised by the police and crime committee, made up of members of the London assembly. |
| Who's idea was it? | Who's idea was it? |
| The Conservatives made clear they intended to go ahead with the shakeup just weeks after going into coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The coalition agreement committed to "introduce measures to make the police more accountable through oversight by a directly elected individual, who will be subject to strict checks and balances by locally elected representatives". The Home Office has described it as "the most significant democratic reform of policing ever", giving the public a real say in how their communities are policed. | The Conservatives made clear they intended to go ahead with the shakeup just weeks after going into coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The coalition agreement committed to "introduce measures to make the police more accountable through oversight by a directly elected individual, who will be subject to strict checks and balances by locally elected representatives". The Home Office has described it as "the most significant democratic reform of policing ever", giving the public a real say in how their communities are policed. |
| Although the Liberal Democrats accepted the legislation as part of the coalition deal, Nick Clegg has made it clear the new role is not party policy. The party centrally is not supporting candidates and has left the decision on whether to stand candidates to local parties. Labour opposed the plans, saying the cost at a time of cuts elsewhere in the service was "deeply irresponsible". But with the legislation passed, it is making the best of it by fielding candidates in every area. | Although the Liberal Democrats accepted the legislation as part of the coalition deal, Nick Clegg has made it clear the new role is not party policy. The party centrally is not supporting candidates and has left the decision on whether to stand candidates to local parties. Labour opposed the plans, saying the cost at a time of cuts elsewhere in the service was "deeply irresponsible". But with the legislation passed, it is making the best of it by fielding candidates in every area. |
| What do the police think? | What do the police think? |
| Senior police figures have repeatedly spoken out against the role, warning that police operational independence could be jeopardised and that politicisation of the police could creep in. Last month Sir Ian Blair, the former Metropolitan police chief who was ousted within hours of Johnson assuming the chairmanship of the now defunct Metropolitan Police Authority, urged voters to boycott the elections because, he said, the role as currently designed was ill-conceived and its scope too vast. There are also concerns that the expected low turnout may cast into doubt the legitimacy of the democratic mandate to hold chief constables to account. | Senior police figures have repeatedly spoken out against the role, warning that police operational independence could be jeopardised and that politicisation of the police could creep in. Last month Sir Ian Blair, the former Metropolitan police chief who was ousted within hours of Johnson assuming the chairmanship of the now defunct Metropolitan Police Authority, urged voters to boycott the elections because, he said, the role as currently designed was ill-conceived and its scope too vast. There are also concerns that the expected low turnout may cast into doubt the legitimacy of the democratic mandate to hold chief constables to account. |
| Can anyone stand? | Can anyone stand? |
| Each candidate nominated had to pay a £5,000 deposit, which they will get back if they receive more than 5% of the vote, and secure 100 nominations from their local area, as well as meeting strict criteria. The strict rules on past offending forced out Bob Ashford, the Labour candidate for Avon and Somerset, because of a £5 fine 46 years ago for two minor offences at the age of 13. He was told by the Home Office and Electoral Commission that his conviction was enough to bar him from standing for the post. In September Mike Quigley, a 65-year-old Tory councillor, was forced to bow out as the Tory choice in Nottinghamshire, over a drink-related offence committed on his 21st birthday. | Each candidate nominated had to pay a £5,000 deposit, which they will get back if they receive more than 5% of the vote, and secure 100 nominations from their local area, as well as meeting strict criteria. The strict rules on past offending forced out Bob Ashford, the Labour candidate for Avon and Somerset, because of a £5 fine 46 years ago for two minor offences at the age of 13. He was told by the Home Office and Electoral Commission that his conviction was enough to bar him from standing for the post. In September Mike Quigley, a 65-year-old Tory councillor, was forced to bow out as the Tory choice in Nottinghamshire, over a drink-related offence committed on his 21st birthday. |
| A Labour candidate standing for in Northamptonshire remains on the ballot paper despite a minor conviction dating back to his youth, because the facts emerged after the deadline for nominations closed. Lee Barron, who has served as a magistrate for the past 10 years, was suspended by the party. The Electoral Commission said he could not withdraw because his conviction 22 years ago came to light after the deadline for nominations, but the Home Office said that should the disqualified candidate win there would have to be a byelection. | A Labour candidate standing for in Northamptonshire remains on the ballot paper despite a minor conviction dating back to his youth, because the facts emerged after the deadline for nominations closed. Lee Barron, who has served as a magistrate for the past 10 years, was suspended by the party. The Electoral Commission said he could not withdraw because his conviction 22 years ago came to light after the deadline for nominations, but the Home Office said that should the disqualified candidate win there would have to be a byelection. |
| Candidates must be registered to vote for local government elections within the area they wish to stand in, "both at the time of nomination and on polling day". Questions have been raised in the Thames Valley election after a rival candidate claimed that the former Tory minister Michael Mates had misrepresented his place of residence – an allegation Mates denies. | Candidates must be registered to vote for local government elections within the area they wish to stand in, "both at the time of nomination and on polling day". Questions have been raised in the Thames Valley election after a rival candidate claimed that the former Tory minister Michael Mates had misrepresented his place of residence – an allegation Mates denies. |
| It emerged in August that magistrates – who at the time made up a significant number of the candidates – were banned from standing. The guidance issued by the senior presiding judge in England and Wales surprised many, as magistrates have had a statutory role on police authorities for more than 30 years. The Home Office subsequently clarified that magistrates could stand but would have to resign from their court post if they won the PCC election. | It emerged in August that magistrates – who at the time made up a significant number of the candidates – were banned from standing. The guidance issued by the senior presiding judge in England and Wales surprised many, as magistrates have had a statutory role on police authorities for more than 30 years. The Home Office subsequently clarified that magistrates could stand but would have to resign from their court post if they won the PCC election. |
| Who is standing? | Who is standing? |
| David Cameron stressed in May that candidates did not have to be from political parties, though the majority are. Of the 193 candidates, 54 are standing on an independent ticket. It's a pretty male affair too, with 15 seats being fought by an all-male slate of candidates. The Conservatives and Labour have fielded candidates in all 41 areas. The Liberal Democrats are fielding 24, the same number as Ukip, with five representing the English Democrats. The Green party has one candidate, in Cleveland. Plaid Cymru is not fielding any candidates. The seat with the most candidates is Devon and Cornwall, which has 10. The most high-profile candidate is Lord Prescott, Labour's former deputy prime minister, who is standing in Humberside. | David Cameron stressed in May that candidates did not have to be from political parties, though the majority are. Of the 193 candidates, 54 are standing on an independent ticket. It's a pretty male affair too, with 15 seats being fought by an all-male slate of candidates. The Conservatives and Labour have fielded candidates in all 41 areas. The Liberal Democrats are fielding 24, the same number as Ukip, with five representing the English Democrats. The Green party has one candidate, in Cleveland. Plaid Cymru is not fielding any candidates. The seat with the most candidates is Devon and Cornwall, which has 10. The most high-profile candidate is Lord Prescott, Labour's former deputy prime minister, who is standing in Humberside. |
| How much will the commissioner earn? | How much will the commissioner earn? |
| The legislation allows for the new post holder to earn between £65,000 and £100,000. | The legislation allows for the new post holder to earn between £65,000 and £100,000. |
| How is the election going? | How is the election going? |
| The lack of information has been an issue, as well as public apathy over the new post. Ministers decided not to give those standing for election the usual free mailshot to voters, because it would have added £35m to the £75m bill for the vote. There were reports last week that people seeking information had been referred to a "very temperamental automated phoneline" at the Home Office and given a list of names, and that many who had asked for hard copies of the statements by candidates standing in their area were still waiting for the candidate information booklet to arrive. However, the Home Office says it has sent out 117,000 leaflets in response to "valid orders". | The lack of information has been an issue, as well as public apathy over the new post. Ministers decided not to give those standing for election the usual free mailshot to voters, because it would have added £35m to the £75m bill for the vote. There were reports last week that people seeking information had been referred to a "very temperamental automated phoneline" at the Home Office and given a list of names, and that many who had asked for hard copies of the statements by candidates standing in their area were still waiting for the candidate information booklet to arrive. However, the Home Office says it has sent out 117,000 leaflets in response to "valid orders". |
| A blunder over ballot papers in Wales emerged last month after legislation was passed authorising the printing of only an English version of the ballot paper. Returning officers in Wales have a duty to see the Welsh language is given equal status to English. The printing of a second set of ballot papers in Wales could cost up to £350,000. | A blunder over ballot papers in Wales emerged last month after legislation was passed authorising the printing of only an English version of the ballot paper. Returning officers in Wales have a duty to see the Welsh language is given equal status to English. The printing of a second set of ballot papers in Wales could cost up to £350,000. |
| Is there much interest in all this? | Is there much interest in all this? |
| Not as much as the Conservatives had hoped. The Electoral Reform Society has said the turnout could fall to as little as 18%, the lowest in British polling history. One recent Ipsos Mori poll suggested turnout could even fall to 15%. But the home secretary has refused to set a minimum threshold, and said the commissioners elected should not be judged on the turnout in their individual election but on their ability to set priorities for the police and to cut crime. | Not as much as the Conservatives had hoped. The Electoral Reform Society has said the turnout could fall to as little as 18%, the lowest in British polling history. One recent Ipsos Mori poll suggested turnout could even fall to 15%. But the home secretary has refused to set a minimum threshold, and said the commissioners elected should not be judged on the turnout in their individual election but on their ability to set priorities for the police and to cut crime. |
| Some senior officers fear that a poor democratic mandate would endanger the British model of policing by consent, but they have been gagged by a Home Office order to stay out of the political debate over the elections on pain of prosecution. The ban stems from section 60 of the PCC Elections Order 2012 on illegal canvassing by police officers, which says they must not do anything that would persuade or dissuade anybody from voting. | Some senior officers fear that a poor democratic mandate would endanger the British model of policing by consent, but they have been gagged by a Home Office order to stay out of the political debate over the elections on pain of prosecution. The ban stems from section 60 of the PCC Elections Order 2012 on illegal canvassing by police officers, which says they must not do anything that would persuade or dissuade anybody from voting. |
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