Labour confirm candidate for Leicestershire and Rutland police and crime commissioner role

Lord Bach, who is currently Labour’s shadow justice spokesman, said his top priorities included tackling domestic violence, hate crime, anti-social behaviour and putting victims of crime at the very heart of what he does.

Lord Bach, who lives near Lutterworth, said: “This is an important job and needs to be done by someone with experience and knowledge.

“If I’m elected in May I will provide the support and assistance our local police need so that we can put victims first. We will tackle and bring to justice serious organised crime networks, criminals who target people’s property and gangs who make life a misery for ordinary people.

“We will work to reduce incidences of anti-social behaviour, tackle domestic violence and protect children and the vulnerable. And I’ll ensure victims of crime are always heard and are at the very heart of what we do to make Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland an even safer place to live and work.”

He added: “Over the last six years the cuts imposed on Leicestershire Police by the Government have been extreme and damaging. The fall in police numbers has been 413 or 18 per cent of the total. This is unacceptable and, in spite of great efforts by the police themselves, it obviously affects the quantity and strength of policing, particularly in neighbourhoods and communities.

“With the fear of further cuts ahead there’s work to do for the next police and crime commissioner.

“I have the experience and commitment to stand up to the Government and fight for a fair deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – to protect our local communities who face bearing the brunt of these cuts.”

Prospective candidates for the post for Leicestershire are being invited to two information events.

The events, which are being held at Leicestershire Police’s force HQ on February 22 and 29, have been designed to give prospective candidates a better understanding of the function of the PCC’s office, the challenges facing modern policing and the wider criminal justice and community safety partnership landscape.

To register your attendance call (0116) 2298983 or e-mail [email protected]