The three candidates hoping to be Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's next Police and Crime Commissioner have revealed why residents should vote for them.  

Darryl Preston (Cons), Anna Smith (Lab-Co-op) and Edna Murphy (Lib Dems) have also outlined their key priorities if they are elected for the role.   

We asked all three to submit 200 words for our readers to ponder over before the election on Thursday, May 2.  

Here's what they have to say.

Meanwhile, find out more about the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner's role here.

Darryl Preston, candidate for the Conservative Party 

Cambs Times: Darryl Preston, the Conservative Party candidate for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's Police and Crime Commissioner.Darryl Preston, the Conservative Party candidate for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's Police and Crime Commissioner. (Image: Supplied by Darryl Preston)“I am passionate about our county and it has been an honour to serve as your Police and Crime Commissioner. I am an ex senior police officer having served 10 years in the Met and 20 years in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. I have dedicated my life to keeping you and your family safe. 

“When elected three years ago I promised to cut crime by recruiting many more police officers – we now have 400 more officers than in 2015. It is no coincidence neighbourhood crime is significantly down – with the abhorrent crime of household burglary down 37 per cent – and anti-social behaviour down 30 per cent. 

“The most important job of a PCC is to listen to the concerns of local communities and act upon them. So, if re elected in May, I will continue to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour by investing in more visible local policing. 

“There will be further investment in prevention, particularly aimed at keeping young people out of the criminal justice system, curbing the blight of domestic and sexual violence, along with the rehabilitation of offenders. 

“I will also ensure tackling rural crime is a top priority, and further investment to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.” 

Find out more at www.darrylpreston.org.uk. 

Anna Smith, candidate for the Labour and Co-operative Party 

Cambs Times: Anna Smith (Lab-Coop) out campaigning for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's Police and Crime Commissioner.Anna Smith (Lab-Coop) out campaigning for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's Police and Crime Commissioner. (Image: Supplied by Anna Smith)“I have what it takes to deliver a fresh start for local policing. As Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough I’m already leading our region. 

“I have the determination and public service commitment to be a visible and pro-active PCC. 

“I bring vast experience of public sector leadership. In schools, at Cambridge City Council, as Acting Mayor and as Deputy Mayor. 

“My priorities: 

  • I’ll champion responsive neighbourhood policing. I’ve already acted to create safer streets and to tackle environmental crime. And I’ll fight for the resources our hard-working police desperately need. 
  • Prevent crime. Promote safety at home and at work. As a former teacher, I know it’s important to stop young people being drawn to crime. 
  • Join up services. I work with agencies, businesses and voluntary groups. I did this during the pandemic, I did this addressing domestic abuse. I’ll do it as PCC. 
  • Zero-tolerance for violence. Tough on crime and the causes of crime. 
  • Make your voice heard. I’m already holding community meetings. 

“People want a fresh start. Polls show Labour is best-placed to provide that, but it will be close. Please do vote on May 2. 

“I am ready to serve and ready to lead.” 

For more information visit www.anna4labour.com. 

 

Edna Murphy, candidate for the Liberal Democrats

Cambs Times: Edna Murphy, the Lib Dems candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, with Charlotte Cane outside Ely Police Station.Edna Murphy, the Lib Dems candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, with Charlotte Cane outside Ely Police Station. (Image: Supplied by Edna Murphy)Edna Murphy served as a Magistrate in Cambridge for over 25 years, including many years chairing the Youth Court. She is a county councillor and Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority, one of the country’s most respected fire services. 

Her priorities are: 

  • Police responsiveness must improve

​“The police need to do more especially on persistent problems like sexual assault and on new priorities such as fraud. For both, there are low levels of reporting suggesting victims have low confidence in the criminal justice system. That needs massively to improve, along with responding more quickly to reports of burglaries, more visible neighbourhood policing and re-opening local police stations to the public. 

  • Fairer funding and smarter spending 

"I’ll fight for fair funding for Cambridgeshire police, who have less funding per head than comparable forces. But I’ll also focus on smarter spending. Moving away from policies that don’t work to reduce crime, like short prison sentences for non-violent offenders, and towards solutions that truly make us safer such as tackling prolific offenders. 

  • More respect for victims 

“I'll champion victim-centred measures such as restorative justice. Cambridgeshire currently employs just one person to deliver this positive approach. Victims deserve more respect, not to be treated as statistics.” 

For more information visit https://shorturl.at/kptPU