Date announced for Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner re-election
Wiltshire Council's Chief Executive has confirmed the news
Last updated 12th May 2021
The re-election of Swindon and Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner will take place on August 19th.
Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council, Terence Herbert, has provided an update saying there is a "clear legal process to follow".
Conservative candidate Jonathon Seed was announced as the winner on Monday (10th May), however he is ineligible to take on the role due to an old driving offence.
Legislation states that "after a two-month period, beginning on the day after polling day, lapses, a vacancy arises".
An election then has to be held within 35 days.
As the Returning Officer, Mr Herbert says preparations will now begin to hold the election on August 19th.
It's not been confirmed how much the election will cost, but it's believed to be over £1m and will be funded by central government.
In a statement he said:
"I remain immensely proud of all my staff who worked across the election weekend and although we would not have chosen to run another election so soon, we will ensure that a fair and accurate Police & Crime Commissioner election is once again delivered.
The council is working closely with the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police and all officers and staff will continue to work hard to protect residents and make sure that our communities remain safe.
Given that we are now following a legal process and as Wiltshire Police have asked Thames Valley Police to conduct an "investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 2021 Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner election", it would be inappropriate for us to provide any further comment at this time."
It was announced yesterday (11th May) that Thames Valley Police will lead an external, independent investigation into the matter.