JOB OPPORTUNITY: Do YOU have what it takes to be a Police and Crime Commissioner?

The Conservative Party needs a candidate for the job of Police and Crime Commissioner in Essex: COULD IT BE YOU?

We need a Harlow candidate and I would encourage local residents to put themselves forward.

Applications are NOW OPEN for anyone who would like to apply to stand. The law has been changed so that after the November elections, the Chief Constable of each county will report to an elected county Police and Crime Commissioner, instead of to the existing county police authorities.

This is about cutting crime and anti-social behaviour in our town, and helping to put more police on the street. Harlow has some experienced people who would make fantastic candidates. Whether they are ex-Police Officers, or have been senior leaders in other fields, I am encouraging Harlow people to go for it, and put themselves forward.

Police and Crime Commissioners will not be expected to run the police. However, they WILL hold Chief Constables and the wider force to account, and keep them in touch with public opinion.

The Conservatives will choose who will be their candidate this May, in preparation for the elections on Thursday, November 15.

This is a very big change in the way our Police are held accountable. Essex Conservatives are determined to field the very best candidate - and I believe we need someone from Harlow. You don’t have to be an active Conservative or even a member of the Party to apply. There are no formal qualifications required, but we are looking for people with a genuine track record of leadership.

Anyone who would like to apply to be the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming elections for Essex Police and Crime Commissioner can write to me at halfon4harlow@roberthalfon.com