Historic vote for police commissioner opens

Voting to determine the county’s inaugural police and crime commissioner (PCC) has opened this morning (Thursday, November 15).

More than one million registered electors in Sussex will have the chance to take part in the historic milestone.

The new position is an attempt to make the police more accountable to the public and will replace the current police authority system.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Five candidates are fighting for the role: Tony Armstrong (UKIP); Katy Bourne (Con); Ian Chisnall (Ind); Godfrey Daniel (Lab) and David Rogers (Lib Dem).

The PCC will earn an annual salary of £85,000.

This individual will be responsible for overseeing the chief constable, and holding the police force to account.

One of the PCC’s roles and responsibilities will be to oversee the county’s policing budget.

A Police and Crime Panel, made up of local councillors and members of the public, will be the only authority to hold the PCC to account.

The eventual winner will take office on Thursday, next week (November 22).