THERE is absolutely no real confusion or irregularity in the 20,000 or so “spoiled” votes during the election for our Police and Crime Commissioner. 
Far from being spoiled, the vast majority of those papers were left blank through voter choice.
Many people in Gwent and across the whole country simply did not like the prospect of “politicians” running the police force. Some simply did not like the thought of having a PCC. 
As a minor politician myself, I have reservations too. (Luckily, I also felt the chartists poking me in the back.) 
It is another underfunded vital public service to be blamed for when the heavily cut budget does not match the public expectation. 
Best of luck to anyone willing to take that job on. Politician or otherwise.
I witnessed people who asked not to have the ballot form for the PCC elections being advised to “take one anyway” and “just put it in the ballot box unmarked”. Why anyone is surprised at the number of “spoiled” votes following that procedure, is a mystery in itself.

Allan Morris
Councillor for Lliswerry Ward
Newport City Council