Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats have selected Paul Varnsverry to be their candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner election in Northamptonshire in November.

Paul works with policing, security and government organisations across the globe. He has chaired the British Standards committee for police protective equipment since 1998. As an experienced and respected authority, Paul has also addressed parliamentary committees and he has worked with ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) and the Home Office.

Paul, who was born in Northampton, was Deputy Leader of Northampton Borough Council from 2009 – 2011. Paul also stood for Parliament in Northampton South at the General Election in 2010.

Paul said:

It is a privilege to be selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner. I fervently believe I have the experience and knowledge to be a strong voice for Northamptonshire residents. I know it is crucial that local people have confidence in the police and that the police themselves are grounded in the communities in which they work. My priorities will include early intervention on crime and anti-social behaviour, increasing public confidence and engagement in how our communities are policed, and initiatives to reduce the number of drivers killed and seriously injured on the county’s roads. My energies will be focused on making sure that our county is a safer place and that local residents are fully engaged in how our communities are policed.

Cllr Brendan Glynane, Leader of the Opposition at Northamptonshire County Council, added:

Whilst we do not support the Conservative-origin policy of introducing police commissioners, it is vital that the public are given the choice to vote for people who have the experience and credibility to provide the kind of leadership that is required. If we did not stand a candidate, the election in Northamptonshire would be between two main party candidates with absolutely no experience between them of working with the police.

The election will be held on Thursday 15th November.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings