On 15th November you will be asked to vote for the person you would like to become the area’s first Police and crime Commissioner (PCC).
Three party hacks and an independent take to the track to fight it out for an £85,000 annual prize. The Blog’s racing correspondent Gordon O’Blimey gives us the lowdown on the runners and riders:
Pete Levy – Lib Dem. Ex-Wiltshire Constabulary officer and military policeman. He has promised to do 10 impossible things on his first day, but that could be a drafting error. Blog odds – 16-1 (Too much baggage, and unlikely to jump well).
Ken Maddock – Conservative. Ex leader of Somerset County Council. He only has three priorities, but they cover just about everything. Blog odds 7/2 (A fast, slick runner, with plenty of experience, but haven’t we had enough of him?)
Sue Mountstevens – Independent. Businesswoman, magistrate and police authority member. Just four priorities and no party politics. Blog odds 12-1 (A useful filly who has performed well on smaller courses and could spring a surprise if the going improves).
John Savage – Labour. Very worthy. A doctor and CBE. Serious quango and public body man. Only four priorities, but one is the “development of a long term strategic vision….” He’s had enough time to do that before the election. Blog odds 25-1 (Unlikely to suit this course and going)
Vote at the village hall until 10 pm