The Conservative hopeful for the Police and Crime Commissioner election has said he is ‘angry’ at the failure of Labour to adequately check the credentials of its candidate.
Lee Barron was suspended by Labour yesterday afternoon after it emerged he was arrested 22 years ago for a minor disturbance at a town centre pub and fined £20.
Labour have now withdrawn their support for him and Mr Barron will be unable to be elected. However, as this has all come to light after the deadline for withdrawals, there remains the possibility that Lee Barron’s name could still appear on ballot papers, plunging the election into chaos.
Adam Simmonds, the Conservative candidate for the elections, which take place on November 15, said: “I feel sad for Lee and his supporters. I’m angry at how others have behaved in failing to make sure this kind of thing didn’t happen.
“High standards are important for a role which will lead significant parts of the criminal justice system. However I hope Lee finds another role in speaking up for the issues that matter to him.”
Independent candidate John Norrie said; “The whole thing is very unfortunate but the rules were known very early on. It has caused a lot of confusion and is going to rob some voters of a choice in the election.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat candidate Paul Varnsverry said: “It’s bizarre, It’s surreal - he’s on the ballot paper but the legislation is quite clear. I think this is terrible news for democracy in Northamptonshire. It’s a tragic personal situation for Lee. I’m very sorry this has happened but the rules are quite specific.”
UKIP’s candidate Jim MacArthur offered his condolences to Mr Barron and praised his commitment.
He said: “Having attended a number of Hustings with Lee Barron, I was impressed by his commitment, and personality. Even though we were political opponents, I grew to like and respect him.
“I was therefore very sorry to hear that he has been barred from standing in the PCC Election because of a minor infringement of the law 20 years ago. Frankly, I think it’s quite absurd that such a thing could bar someone from standing in this election.
“In principle I do not believe the authorities should be able to decide who is and who isn’t a suitable candidate. Candidates should have been able to declare any convictions they have and let the electorate decide whether any such conviction was relevant.
“However, given that it was the rule the Government set out and he knew about it, he was obviously, to say the least, very unwise, to have allowed his name to go forward. Nevertheless, I extend to him and his family my sympathy.”
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