Sir Clive Loader, Leicestershire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, has revealed that he will not be seeking re-election in May 2016.
In a short statement at the Police and Crime Panel meeting today (17 July) he said that he had already informed the Conservative Party of his decision.
Sir Clive, who retired from the RAF as Air Chief Marshal in 2009, explained that despite the immense enjoyment and reward he gains from the job he had always seen his role as an elected PCC as something akin to a ‘last tour of duty’. He said that he set out to support the excellent work of Leicestershire Police and to challenge the force and local partner agencies to do better when failings or legitimate concerns were identified.
“That is why I made it abundantly clear from the outset that I was seeking outcomes, not promises,” he said. “And since then we have delivered tangible, and sustainable, improvements.
“Today, my Office is providing more money in grants and commissioning activity than any other PCC in the country, bar one, in support of the outcomes set out in my Police and Crime Plan. It is an incontrovertible fact that recorded crime is down, aided by a 50% reduction in youth offending and reoffending. Our pioneering Youth Commission is delivering demonstrable outcomes and earlier this year I made an additional £2m of funding available to tackle some of the most insidious crimes that affect young people, including Child Sexual Exploitation and cyber-crime.
“Our far-reaching Change Programme, introduced earlier this year, is already delivering operational and financial efficiencies and our work with other forces in the region and local partners is gathering even greater momentum.
“And, this October we will launch Victim First, the new integrated service for victims and witnesses which will support those in need through the criminal justice system.
“There is a mutually-supportive role with the Chief Constable’s Office - a relationship which plays an increasingly powerful part in keeping communities safe and protecting the vulnerable while simultaneously managing the big reductions in funding. That this approach is working well is verified by the reported increase in public confidence and satisfaction.
“Of all this – and so much more that my Office has done – I am extremely proud.”
But, he added: “For various reasons, not least personal and family-related, this is the right, albeit difficult, decision. With just under a year before the next elections, it is only fair that I make that decision known so that another candidate can be selected.
“My enthusiasm and commitment for the role is undiminished and I hope that I can now concentrate on the things that still need to be done until the day that I hand over to my successor, whoever that may be.”
Ends
Statement to Panel below:
“I have become aware of the increasing interest in my intentions for the future. It was to my great surprise that I read that I may be considering whether or not to stand for re-election as an Independent candidate. This is most assuredly not the case. However, I feel that the time has come for clarity.
I have therefore, earlier today, informed the Conservative Party that I do not intend to stand in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections next May. Notwithstanding any other reason, this is because I have every confidence that by that time, the job that I set out to do, will be done.
Thank you for allowing me to make that statement Chair. Considering the busy agenda before us I am sure you will now want to proceed forthwith with the business before us.
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair, 01283 821012 / 07702 541401
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016