Jonathan Ash-Edwards elected as Hertfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner
Elections for the new PCC were held on Thursday
Jonathan Ash-Edwards has been elected as Hertfordshire's new Police and Crime Commissioner.
Voters headed to polling stations on Thursday May 2nd, voting for local elections, as well as their new Police and Crime Commissioner.
Today, May 4th, its been announced Conservative party candidate Jonathan Ash-Edwards has won the election, with 93,658 votes.
Liberal Democrats candidate Sean Prendergast came second with 68,264 votes, while Labour and Cooperative's Tom Plater got 66,585 votes and Green candidate Matt Fisher polled 26,714 votes.
The Conservative candidate's campaign focused on more police for Hertfordshire's streets, as well as keeping them safe and protecting victims.
He also wants to prevent crime, tackling high impact crimes as well as providing responsive policing.
Victim support and listening to residents in Hertfordshire were also listed as his priorities.
Who were the other candidates standing for the role?
Matt Fisher
The Green Party candidate focused on his strong moral compass, currently serving as a Green district councillor in St Albans, saying he was excited about the role.
Matt Fisher believed the role aligned with the right skills and passions he possess, speaking for a sense of duty and an innovative mindset.
He noted aspiring to make a "significant, enduring impact on the world."
Tom Plater
The Labour & Co-operative PCC candidate for Hertfordshire mentioned the "real issues" in his campaign for the role.
Speaking of violent and sexual offences, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls, Tom Plater's campaign was aimed at "taking real action" working with local councils and safety teams, as well as domestic abuse charities and improving vetting practices across Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Sean Prendergast
The Liberal Democrats candidate previously served as Police Community Support Officer which allowed him to better grasp operational policing.
He promised to be visible and available to the community, while focusing on three main priorities of stopping violence against women and girls, solving burglary and vehicle crime, and tackling and preventing antisocial behaviour.
Who was previously in office as PCC for Hertfordshire?
David Lloyd held the position since the creation of the role of Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012, before stepping down in this election.
His main focus has been to deliver effective and efficient policing while supporting victims and promoting partnership to better serve the needs of the public.
As PCC he pushed for the protection of Hertfordshire’s local policing teams from cuts seen across the country, and was recognised for the work he undertook in developing and improving support services for victims of crime.
In his time in office, he launched the Beacon Service, praised nationally in its victims care innovation.