Charity cash pledge by Shropshire police commissioner Bill Longmore
The man elected as Shropshire's first-ever police commissioner has pledged to donate £20,000 from his £75,000-a-year salary to a new charity to help victims of crime.
Independent candidate Bill Longmore, who lives in Hanwood near Shrewsbury, said the money will be put towards establishing a new charity as he celebrated his victory in the West Mercia area.
"It is a charity for the prevention of crime and to help victims of crime," he said.
Mr Longmore hailed his win as a victory for people power, with voters turning their backs on the traditional political parties.
Independent candidate Bill Longmore, of Hanwood near Shrewsbury, beat Conservative candidate Adrian Blackshaw and Labour's Simon Murphy at the count in Shrewsbury yesterday.
"It is a victory for common sense. The people have won because they voted for me and against politics in the police," he said.
The election was marred by a record low turnout, with just 14.6 per cent of people bothering to vote in West Mercia. In Telford & Wrekin, there was an 18.5 per cent turnout – the highest in West Mercia, but across Shropshire only 14.35 per cent went to the polls.
Mr Longmore will take up the post from November 22. He will have powers to hire and fire chief constables and set police strategy and budgets.
West Mercia Police chief constable David Shaw congratulated Mr Longmore for his victory.
"The election of a Police and Crime Commissioner is an important development for the public, West Mercia Police and partners, all of whom work together to make West Mercia a safe place to live, work and visit," he said.
"Mr Longmore is already aware of the policing challenges West Mercia.
"I thoroughly look forward to building a positive, professional working relationship with Mr Longmore as we enter an unprecedented period of change, challenge and opportunity."
Losing Conservative candidate Adrian Blackshaw said he may have lost votes due to voters' being dissatisfied with the Government.
He said: "There is no doubt about it – a large chunk is a Conservative vote dissatisfied with the Conservative Government in some shape or form, rightly or wrongly.
"I congratulate Bill. He has a big job ahead of him and I wish him the best of luck."
Labour candidate Simon Murphy hailed the 'remarkable achievement' of Mr Longmore in winning the election.
"He had the weight of two political parties against him. I have to take my hat off to him," he said. "I wish Bill every success and I'm sure he will do a great job for West Mercia in future."
Conservative Christopher Salmon has been elected the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dyfed-Powys.
By Chris Burn
