Conservative John Dwyer is Cheshire's new police and crime commissioner

Mr Dwyer, who held the post between 2012-16, suffered a shock defeat to Mr Keane back in 2016.

But he has won it back for the Tories after coming out on top in Cheshire's PCC election.

The result was declared at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes this evening, Saturday.

Liberal Democrat Jo Conchie and Reform UK’s Nick Goulding also battled for the post.

Mr Dwyer won 99,565 first preference votes and 12,397 second preference votes – a total of 111,962.

David Keane won 83,329 first preference votes and 16,134 second preference votes – a total of 99,463.

Mr Dwyer said: “I am delighted to have been returned as the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire and I want to thank the voters in Cheshire for supporting me.

"I'm delighted for the support I've had from all of you across the county.

"We've run this election on political lines because that's how elections operate but I've made it clear during my campaign, this role is neutral, from here on the politics stops.

"From here on I will represent every person in this county no matter which way they voted.

"It's important that they understand my neutrality to them - and I want to be sure they can come to me anytime they like to discuss issues they are having with the local police service and I will act as their conduit to the chief constable, so please don't hesitate to make contact with me, no matter how you voted this time.

"This job is neutral, I'm going to do a really good job for all of you."