Northamptonshire’s first ever Police & Crime Commissioner has promised to stand up for “all people” in the county as he prepares to take on the new role.
Speaking after his election this afternoon, Tory candidate Adam Simmonds said: “An American president once said that we observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom, signifying renewal as well as change.
“And as Police and Crime Commissioner I now have the responsibility of all our people, whatever race, whatever sex, social standing, rich or poor, young or old.
“And I promise to unreservedly lead from the front, not to duck hard choices, or avoid the challenges which will undoubtedly come.”
He added: “This election was never going to be easy, it was always going to be messy.
“But what begins today is a revolution in our democratic process. We are doing something new, we are going where we haven’t been before.”
Speaking after the election, Chief Constable Adrian Lee said he was committed to making the new relationship with Mr Simmonds work.
He said: “I would like to offer our congratulations. I have said all along I would like the PCC to be a success.
“Adam brings significant new thinking and ideas to the force. We have done a huge amount of work prepare and assist Adam so that we can hit the ground running and work together.”
Mr Lee said he was hoping to develop his relationship with Mr Simmonds, who will effectively be his new boss.
He added: “I am confident it will work, but I think it does all depend on the quality of the relationship between us and when we met we did talk about the importance of making it work.
“It is too important for it not to work.
“We have talked about possibly getting out of the office and going for a walk in order to invest in that relationship.”
Mr Simmonds will start the job next Thursday.
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