The Police and Crime Commissioner candidates who want your vote in May

PCCs are elected to ensure their police forces are run effectively and efficiently.

They set police force budgets, hold chief constables to account and raise any questions or concerns from the local community.

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Anthony Stansfeld, who has been the Thames Valley PCC since the post was created in 2012, is not standing for re-election at this year’s election on May 6.

The Conservative was due to stand down last year, but the election was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Here are the five candidates looking to become the next PCC in the Thames Valley:

Matthew Barber, Conservative 

Conservative Police Crime and Commissioner candidate Matthew Barber

Mr Barber has been the deputy PCC since 2016 and he was leader of Vale of White Horse District Council between 2011 to 2018.

He said: “The next Police and Crime Commissioner will have to manage nearly half a billion pounds of police funding, hold the chief constable to account for improving performance and give voice to the concerns of residents from across the Thames Valley.

“As your PCC I will work constructively to get the best deal from the government, to deliver the resources, powers and protections that our brave police officers need.

“I will ensure that Thames Valley Police is properly equipped to address the concerns of the public; recruiting more police officers and PCSOs; improving response times and driving down crime.”

Laetisia Carter, Labour

Labour Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Laetisa Carter

Ms Carter, who is deputy leader of the Labour group on West Oxfordshire District Council, has worked for Thames Valley Police and the NHS.

She said: “Born and raised in Oxfordshire and an elected councillor in West Oxfordshire, I know the Thames Valley area and its challenges well.

“Alongside energy, authority and fresh-thinking, I bring extensive professional experience.

“I have worked in strategic roles, including for Thames Valley Police, Thames Valley Criminal Justice Board, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, and writing national policy working with the Home Office and Ministry of Justice.

“I currently work in mental health for young people, combined with my councillor role, and raising two children.

“As your representative, I will stand-up for victims of crime, regularly engage with the police and public, ensure accountability, and work to reverse damaging cuts affecting numbers of PCSOs, police, and counter closures.”

John Howson, Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Police and Crime Commissioner candidate John Howson

Mr Howson, who has worked as a civil servant and a teacher, sits as a councillor on Oxfordshire County Council.

“Thames Valley don’t solve enough crimes,” he said.

“We deserve safer, more secure streets and better value for money.

“Local policing and swift justice are vital. Cases take too long to process – justice delayed is justice denied.

“I promise to ensure cases get to court faster. I will consult about local policing priorities. The police must work for everyone in the community.

“Twenty two years a magistrate, experience in the public, voluntary and private sectors, including running my own company. Been a victim of crimes, including a stabbing and several burglaries.”

Alan Robinson, Independent 

Independent Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Alan Robinson

Mr Robinson was a front-line Thames Valley Police officer for 25 years.

He said: “As an independent candidate and free from political interference, I can put officers and staff ‘back on the beat’ and make them more visible to the people they serve.

“They will be allowed to use their common sense and discretion, instead of chasing meaningless targets and spend more time in community engagement, being in the right place at the right time, which will raise the morale of officers and staff.

“All of this will lead to a far more effective and efficient service and allow us to reclaim our identity.”