THE current West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has launched his re-election bid.

John Campion will stand as the Conservative candidate for the PCC elections in May, which were delayed by 12 months because of the pandemic.

Mr Campion believes his track record as PCC will make the strongest candidate at the election and says he is proud to be standing again.

"[I have] overseen West Mercia Police’s turnaround from a force living off its reserves, with falling officer numbers and rising crime, to a police force today that balances its budgets, has 20 per cent more police officers and oversees falling crime," he said.

“I am very proud to have been trusted to serve the communities of West Mercia as their PCC.

"I have worked hard to ensure the public’s views are at the heart of policing whilw not dodging the difficult decisions to ensure their money is spent effectively and efficiently.

"I am proud of the progress I have overseen, but now is not the time to take that progress for granted. Now is the time to build on that progress for the communities of West Mercia.

"There are now significantly more resources in policing locally, and my drive is to maximise the benefit for the community.

"We must also ensure that the police are in tune with the priorities of the community including tackling issues such anti-social behaviour, rural crime and speeding.”

“Keeping our communities safe is a massive and complex task. I have a track record of delivering my promises, and I have a clear plan to deliver if I am re-elected for a safer West Mercia.”