Have your say on choosing Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner

by Lisa Reeves

Sunday 1^st May 2016

Sun 1^st May 2016

People are being urged to 'get out and vote' to choose the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire on polling day.

The election will take place on Thursday, 5th May, for the people of Cheshire to elect the PCC for their local police force.

The four candidates for the post are:
● John Dwyer (Conservative);
● David Keane (Labour);
● Neil Lewis (Liberal Democrats); and
● Jonathan Starkey (UKIP).

Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Mike Suarez, who is the Returning Officer for elections in the Borough, said: "PCCs are elected to hold the police to account for delivering the kind of policing you, the local residents, want to see.

"So it is vitally important that local people, who are registered to vote, get out and vote on May 5 and make their voice heard.

"Elected PCCs aim is to cut crime and to ensure your local police force is effective. They are there to ensure the policing needs of the public are met as effectively as possible and to oversee how crime is tackled by the police."

See our previous article 'Cheshire police and crime commissioner candidates announced' for more information about the four candidates.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 5th. Your poll card will have been sent to the address where you are registered and it will say where your polling station is. You can only vote at the polling station that is stated on your own poll card. If you have a postal vote, make sure it is returned by 10pm on Thursday 5th May.

Tags:: Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Elections

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Adrian Scott

Tuesday 3^rd May 2016 at 3:41 pm

With polling just over one day away I have seen no publicity, no promotional leaflets from the candidates, and once again the whole exercise seems to be heading for another pathetically poor turnout. I know that John Dwyer has achieved a great deal in his term of office by reading his blog. But who are these other faceless candidates ? has anyone had any of the candidates on their doorsteps seeking support? If not, how are we supposed to choose the right person for the job ?

Nigel Dibben

Tuesday 3^rd May 2016 at 4:44 pm

I thought the PCC was there to look after the interests of us, the public, but then I saw on my postal ballot paper that they are political party appointments. This means that they are likely to be guided by their party rather than us. I am abstaining as a result.

Andrew Muncaster

Tuesday 3^rd May 2016 at 7:12 pm

Neil Lewis has high-lighted that cyber crime has increased exponentially, more than making up for the reduction in traditional crime. He is determined to have the police address this. He gets my vote.

Lisa Baldwin

Thursday 5^th May 2016 at 7:40 am

Ok so.. It's polling day!... I really do want to vote and have my say... However.. I have no idea who any of the candidates are.. Or what their manifestos are.

Where can I find this out?... I live in Alderley Edge but haven't seen any signs, leaflets or anyone going door to door to promote themselves.

Any info would be greatly appreciated so I can make an informed decision :)

Many Thanks!

Lisa Reeves

Thursday 5^th May 2016 at 7:50 am

Hi Lisa - This article contains a link to my previous article with some information about the 4 candidates and their election statements - http://bit.ly/1UAQMI9

The article from 15th April also contains links to each of the candidates websites.

Hope this helps.

Michael Lewis

Thursday 5^th May 2016 at 11:35 am

I only know who the candidates are from information on this site, and also from the Poll Card which gives http://www.choosemypcc.org.uk or a phone number 0800-1070708. I've seen no leaflets.

Thursday 5^th May 2016 at 2:05 pm

I've voted. Slightly surprised to find I had two choices - first and second choice. You only have to choose one, but if you choose two they must be different.

I'm unhappy (like Nigel) that the candidates have political affiliations. Does that mean if I'm stopped for speeding, or report a burglary I can request a policeman that suits my political leanings?