Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner re-elected

Lisa Townsend has been re-elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Surrey's Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has been re-elected for a second term.

Mrs Townsend, who has held the role since 2021, got 95,538 votes after residents went to the polls on Thursday.

She said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that the residents of Surrey have recognised what we’ve been doing for them over the last three years."

Also standing was Labour's Kate Chinn (42,813 votes), Independent Alex Coley (42,052) and Liberal Democrat Paul Kennedy (82,213).

Turnout overall for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election was 29.9%.

It was highest in Mole Valley (39.7%), Elmbridge (37.9%) and Woking (37%) and lowest in Surrey Heath (20.22%), Spelthorne (21.1%) and Guildford (23%).

Mrs Townsend, 44, said she was "absolutely thrilled" to be the first PCC to be re-elected in Surrey.

She added: "We know it’s a difficult backdrop. The government’s been in power now for 14 years."

Mrs Townsend, who lives in Runnymede, is a former researcher in the House of Commons and has been director of a communications company.

Turnout for the vote was 29.9% across the county

Alongside the PCC vote, elections were taking place in six council areas in Surrey, with results expected through the evening on Friday.

The PCC oversees the work of Surrey Police, holding the chief constable to account and outlining the priorities of the force in a Police and Crime Plan.

PCC elections are held every four years.