Shropshire's Bill Longmore is first West Mercia Police Commissioner
Independent candidate Bill Longmore has been voted in as the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia.
Bill Longmore, from Hanwood near Shrewsbury, was one of three fighting for the seat and will take over from the current police authority on 22 November for a four year term.
In his new role as commissioner Bill will be responsible for setting West Mercia Police's budget, policing priorities and hiring or firing the chief constable, although the force will retain operational independence so decisions about investigations cannot be influenced by politics.
Bill Longmore, served with Staffordshire Police for 30 years and built up a manufacturing firm after retiring in 1986.
He said he "endeavoured to serve the community" all his life and would "not be a faceless man sitting in an office" but out listening to the community.
West Mercia Police's Chief Constable David Shaw has this afternoon offered his congratulations to Bill Longmore.
Speaking about Mr Longmore's appointment, Chief Constable Shaw said:
"On behalf of the whole workforce at West Mercia Police, we are very much looking forward to working with Mr Longmore to ensure the people of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire continue to get the best possible protection and service from the force.
"The election of a Police and Crime Commissioner is an important development for the public, West Mercia Police and partners, all of whom work together to make West Mercia a safe place to live, work and visit.
"Mr Longmore is already aware of the policing challenges West Mercia faces and I will be discussing these with him in greater detail when he takes up his role on Thursday, 22 November.
"I thoroughly look forward to building a positive, professional working relationship with Mr Longmore as we enter an unprecedented period of change, challenge and opportunity."
Low Turnout
In the Shropshire Council area 33,700 people turned out to vote, whilst in Telford & Wrekin 22,903 people voted.
Across the West Mercia area Bill Longmore gained 37.8% (50,900) of the first preference vote with Adrian Blackshaw at 36.5% (49,238) and Dr Simon Murphy with 25.7% (34,715).
The total ballots cast for the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner election is 14.6%.
Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission said: "The low turnout at the elections is a concern for everyone who cares about democracy."
