Wiltshire PCC runner up not standing in election re-run
New candidate for Wiltshire and Swindon Liberal Democrats
Last updated 25th May 2021
The runner up in the Police and Crime Commissioner election for Wiltshire and Swindon, that took place earlier this month, will not be standing in the re run this summer.
Liberal Democrat Liz Webster has posted on social media saying she is not seeking the nomination for "personal and family reasons".
A fresh election is needed after the Conservative candidate who won, Jonathan Seed, was unable to take up the post due to a driving conviction.
Details only emerged after polls had closed, he was disbarred by his party and subsequently he withdrew.
EXHAUSTING CAMPAIGN
Liz Webster said she was disappointed to step away but it was the right thing to do;
"Having had some time to reflect since the botched Wiltshire & Swindon PCC election, I am sorry to disappoint supporters and announce I will not be putting my name forward to be the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner By-election on Thursday 19 August 2021.
Like everyone else outside the leadership of the Conservative Party, I was shocked to discover the news of their disgraceful actions in not telling voters that their candidate, Jonathon Seed had been convicted of a drink driving offence and so was ineligible to stand for election as PCC.
The delay in making that statement until after the polls had closed was cynical and disgraceful. Had voters known about it before they voted, I believe I would have been elected and would now be hard at work as the new Police and Crime Commissioner.
When I learned there would have to be a by-election, I assumed that just like when an MP or Councillor resigns or dies, that election would take place promptly, only to discover it will not happen for three months. This was an exhausting election campaign and the prospect of another three months of campaigning simply does not work for me for personal and family reasons."
FULL SUPPORT
The Liberal Democrats have announced that Wiltshire councillor Dr Brian Mathew will represent the party in the election on August 19th.
Lis says she will be doing all she can to support him;
"Brian will make an outstanding Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon. He fought strongly to win this post five years ago and has been an active and respected participant on the Police and Crime Panel for the last four years. I will do all I can to get him elected."
The new election is expected to cost over £1m, Liz has renewed her call for the Conservatives to foot the bill.
Meanwhile Thames Valley Police are conducting and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the election.