POLITICAL support for a former senior policeman to be Gwent police and crime commissioner is growing, after he won an endorsement from a senior Newport Tory.

Former cabinet member and city councillor David Fouweather has backed Ian Johnston, who is running as an independent in the November 15 election.

The endorsement comes despite the process to find a Tory candidate continuing.

No names have yet emerged, and the Argus understands that there is great reluctance from other senior Conservatives in Gwent to field a candidate.

Recent results from voters may be one reason – Gwent elected four new Labour councils in May while the Tories lost overall control of Monmouthshire.

Mr Johnston has already received backing from PlaidAM Jocelyn Davies.

Cllr Fouweather told the Argus he would not back a party political candidate. He said: “Ian Johnston has a great deal of experience in both police and business matters, having been a high-ranking police officer for many years. He has also run his own business.

“Ian has earned the respect of many of his former colleagues and has the knowledge and experience to be able to carry out the role.

“He’s non-political. I don’t think the police should be politicised.”

A Conservative party spokesman said: “We have almost half of the 41 police authority areas selected and we are moving forward with the remaining selections.”

Other candidates to declare themselves so far are Hamish Sandison for Labour and Chris Wright, an independent candidate, also a former Gwent policeman.