Wiltshire PCC runner up calling for Conservatives to pay for re-election
A date has been announced for when we can take to the polls again
Last updated 15th May 2021
Liz Webster, the Liberal Democrat who came second in the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner election, is calling on the Conservatives to pay for the re-election.
She has started a petition after no one was appointed the new PCC as Jonathon Seed, who was running for the tories, was elected but was not eligible to take on the role.
Seed withdrew from the race on Sunday (9th May), a day before the count, due to an old driving conviction.
On Wednesday (12th) Wiltshire Council Chief Executive Terence Herbert confirmed that the vote will take place on August 19th.
It's not been confirmed exactly how much it will cost, however it's believed to be around £1 million, which will be funded by central government.
Due to the cost, Liz wants the Conservatives to foot the bill because the situation around Mr Seed's withdrawal could have been sorted earlier.
In a statement given to us on Monday, the Lib Dem candidate said:
"Jonathon Seed has treated Wiltshire and Swindon residents with total contempt. He has betrayed their trust, wasted their time and a vast amount of public money.
"Re-running this election will cost tax payers £1.4 million, require residents to go to vote again and deny our tired elections staff their well deserved break. All of that is an absolute disgrace.
"I am ready to fight again to be a powerful voice for the victims of crime, champion our dedicated police officers and staff, and to take the action needed to make our communities safer and bring law breakers to justice".
We approached Mr Seed for a comment.
POLICE INVESTIGATION
It has also been confirmed that Thames Valley Police will lead an external, independent investigation into the matter.
The Wiltshire force asked someone else to lead it to ensure there would be independent oversight and remove any potential conflict of interest.