Police and Crime Commissioner Elections 2024

On Thursday 2nd May 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner (or PCC) Elections will be taking place in RBWM. But what are PPCs and what do they do?

What Do They Do?

The Police and Crime Commissioner's job is to represent the public and hold the police to account.

In general they aim to reduce crime and deliver an effective police service within their police force area. (RBWM is part of the Thames Valley Police Force) They also aim to ensure that the community needs are met and improve the relationship between the public and the police. To ensure that Police and Crime Commissioners represent the public they are appointed through elections held every 4 years.

You can find out more about the role of PCCs by watching this video:

How To Vote?

If you registered in time to vote you should have already received a polling card telling you where to vote on the 2nd May.

REMEMBER - You must have Photo ID to vote in elections!

You can find out if you have the correct form of ID on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id

If you didn't register to vote in time make sure you are ASAP for the general election which will be held before January 2025! You can register to vote at anytime by go to: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Who Is Standing?

In the Thames Valley this year there are 5 candidates standing for election. They are:

• Mathew Barber - Conservative (The Current PCC)
• Tim Starkey - Labour
• Tim Bearder - Liberal Democrats
• Ben Holden-Crowther - More Police Officers (independent)
• Russell Fowler

The Maidenhead Advertiser has interviews with 4 of the 5 candidates about their priorities and strategies. You can read their article here: https://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/areas/195638/meet-your-thames-valley-police-and-crime-commissioner-candidates.html

Is There Any More Info?

If you want more information about Police and Crime Commissioners you can visit the 'Choose My PCC' website here: https://choosemypcc.org.uk/

Information correct at time of writing - 24th April 2024