AN assistant director at Northamptonshire County Council has been chosen as the Conservative candidate for police commissioner.
Adam Simmonds, aged 35, won the support of Tory party members in the county following a vote on Friday,
Mr Simmonds, who lives outside the county but rents a house near Daventry, said he was “very excited” about the opportunity to become an elected police chief who would set priorities and budgets for Northamptonshire Police.
He said: “I’m looking forward to a political role working on plans to tackle problems and lower crime and get rid of the fear of crime.
“When the new role was announced I was immediately interested as I believe in the power of the individual to make changes. I’m a big supporter of elected mayors. I think police authorities have had their time.”
Mr Simmonds, who describes himself on his Twitter feed as a “leader, communicator, politics addict and church leader” said he was leaving his job as assistant director of leadership support and democracy at the county council at the end of the week.
His previous jobs at county hall have included working as a political assistant and head of strategy and business administration.
He graduated from the University of Greenwich with a degree in Politics and Political History.
Conservative MP for Northampton North Michael Ellis said he thought Adam Simmonds was an “excellent choice.”
He said: “We had some very good candidates apply. I believe Mr Simmonds would make an excellent police commissioner for Northamptonshire.”
Elections for the police commissioner role, who could earn up to £100,000 a year, are due to take place in November.
Ministers hope the change will improve accountability and make the 43 forces more responsive to the public.