Names for Gwent crime commissioner elections confirmed

2:17pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By David Deans - Politics reporter

FOUR names are in the ring for next month's police and crime commissioner elections - with two independents running against two party candidates.

Independents Ian Johnston and Chris Wright - both of whom at former police officers - are to run against Labour's Hamish Sandison and the Conservatives' Nick Webb But today's "statement as to persons nominated" omitted mention of former Blaenau Gwent leader Des Hilman and ex-UK government minister Ron Davies.

Both had indicated they were interested in the position and might take part but neither were nominated as candidates.

It is now too late for either of them to join in - with the deadline for nominations having closed at midday today.

But in truth the list of candidates would have come as little surprise to followers of the Gwent campaign so far, with all individuals that had actively campaigned prior to the deadline being nominated.

Candidates had to put up a deposit of £5,000 and collect 100 signatures in support.

According to the statement - which doesn't give precise addresses - Mr Johnston's home address is in the Caerphilly county ward of Penmaen, while Mr Sandison is listed as living at Llangybi in Monmouthshire.

Mr Webb is said to have a home address in Allt-yr-yn in Newport ward while Mr Wright is noted as from Llanbradach in Caerphilly county.

The election, taking place on November 15, will include a new voting system where you can select your first and second preference candidate.

At the count the first preferences will be counted, and if a candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the votes cast they are elected.

If no candidate has more than 50 per cent, all candidates apart from those in the first and second place are eliminated.

Votes for those candidates will then have their second choices added to the other candidates first preference votes.

Comments(12)

Dai the Milk says...
3:20pm Fri 19 Oct 12

'Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?' asked the Roman poet Juvenal......and rightly so. 'Who polices the police?' How the hell can ex-police officers be entrusted with keeping a check on the police? Someone has to do it but it has to be someone with no allegiances (or pals who are owed favours) surely for God's sake. It is bad enough that they are investigated internally by themselves but the public needs complete confidence that whoever does do it is not calling in any favours.

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stracey-tracey-smyth says...
4:23pm Fri 19 Oct 12

^ I'm more concerned about the politicians..... Still, seeing Ron Davies had declared an interest gave me a brief giggle.

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Dai the Milk says...
5:04pm Fri 19 Oct 12

You're never going to have a candidate without some beliefs unless you elect a person without a brain.......but surely there's a huge difference between having some beliefs (left or right) and working amongst your friends again. That can't be right.

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stracey-tracey-smyth says...
5:14pm Fri 19 Oct 12

With respect, we're not talking about people "having some beliefs" but individuals representing political parties, but then I believe that they swear an 'oath of impartiality' prior to taking up this new position... so I guess that's ok then.
Regarding your' other point, be under no illusion, I'll be voting for 'none of the above'...which is a crying shame.

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Dai the Milk says...
7:11pm Fri 19 Oct 12

STS......beliefs....
political parties....all the same to me. Rather those than people looking after their own ex pals and vice versa.

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On the inside says...
8:47pm Fri 19 Oct 12

I agree with Dai the Milk. OK, it is not unheard of for candidates of political parties not to stick to their parties policies, but at least it gives an indication of their 'direction of travel' and come the next election you have something to judge them against.

All that can be said for independents is that they will never let the electorate down because they have promised them nothing in the first place!

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pinpong says...
8:57am Sat 20 Oct 12

Independents are usually one issue politicians who are generally crackers. Just look at some of the nutcases that popped up at the last council elections all former party members one of them had been in labour and the torys. How can you trust them? For this election i will vote and to be honest my vote will go to labour this time as there candidate seems to have the best credentials.

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Dai the Milk says...
9:45am Sat 20 Oct 12

It is not about how much previous experience a candidate has in the role. Having experience in the role can in fact, as I've explained above, be counter-productive and even possibly dangerous. It is about passion to protect the interests of the public. It is about caring deeply for those around you. It is about not allowing mickey mouse statistics like those in this week's Argus which attempt to con the public. It is about trust. Choose this candidate very very carefully. It is a very important role.

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Mervyn James says...
12:41pm Sat 20 Oct 12

This will be the biggest non-event in recent history, I doubt 10% of the electorate is going to bother voting at all. We need a 'sheriff' like a hole in the head. The danger populist views will overtake areas of real concern is a real issue. E.G dog-fouling is more of an issue than burglary or child abuse... Daily Mail fans will have a field day.

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jamie_2k8 says...
1:09pm Sat 20 Oct 12

well i have only one comment to make dave johnston is the man for the job i,ve known dave since he was a pc on the beat around blackwood hes a fair cop and some one you can talk to so dave johnston fingers crossed for you mate c james i,m 100% behind you

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Dai the Milk says...
1:24pm Sat 20 Oct 12

I thought he was in charge of a police station ???? Have you got the right man?

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focus 12 says...
1:38pm Sat 20 Oct 12

I agree with you pingpong , I dont vote Labour but will be doing so in this election.

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