Independent candidate Sue Mountstevens was yesterday re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, following the results of the first and second stages of counting.
The turnout for the vote was 26.64% across Avon and Somerset, which was over 5% higher than in 2012 and means that 1 in 4 who were eligible to vote did so.
There was a turnout of 19.25% in Bath & North East Somerset, with a total of 25,907 verified ballot papers.
A delighted Ms Mountstevens said: “Thank you to the residents of Avon and Somerset who once again chose me as your Police and Crime Commissioner, we will keep politics out of policing for another four years.
“Together with Chief Constable Andy Marsh we will fight crime, prevent crime and work with all our communities to continue to make Avon and Somerset a safe place to live and work.
“I will be the voice of residents and victims and continue to do all I can to tackle and prevent crimes against the most vulnerable in society particularly child sexual exploitation and abuse.
“I will continue to be independent, honest and transparent and fulfil the role without fear or favour – and that’s my promise.”
Speaking at the election count at Bath University, Avon and Somerset Constabulary Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “I would like to personally congratulate Sue on being re-elected and I look forward to working with her once again.
“We have only worked together for a short time but I know that she is passionate about serving residents, improving services for victims and driving improvements in the Constabulary. Together we can make a real difference which will benefit the communities of Avon and Somerset.”
Sue Mountstevens said that she would continue to prioritise the most vulnerable in society particularly children who are sexually exploited and pledged to do all she can to listen to the quiet voices, especially victims of crime.
Seven candidates campaigned for the top job and at the first count, Sue Mountstevens won 82,708 votes. Labour’s Kerry Barker won 75,538 votes, also went through to the second count.
In the second count, Ms Mountstevens had 35,839 votes, giving her a grand total of 118,547 and Kerry Barker had 25,027 votes, giving him a total of 100,565.
Ms Mountstevens, 60, is married with three children and lives in North Somerset. She was elected the area’s first Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012 and was previously an independent member of Avon and Somerset Police Authority and a former magistrate for 15 years.
Dr Jo Farrar, Police Area Returning Officer for Avon and Somerset, said: “I would especially like to thank members of the public who turned out to vote yesterday. I would also like to thank everybody who took part in the election – candidates, local returning officers, polling staff, counters and everybody involved across the whole of Avon and Somerset.
“Anyone looking for more information on the outcome of the PCC election will find the answer to their questions at www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk.”