Local elections 2024: Who wants to be West Mercia's police and crime commissioner?

Five candidates are set to battle it out to become West Mercia's police and crime commissioner (PCC) for the next four years.

On 2 May, voters will head to the polls across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin.

The role of PCC was established in 2012.

A PCC holds police forces to account, sets priorities and budgets, and also commissions services to help victims and prevent crime.

These are the candidates standing to be West Mercia's PCC (listed alphabetically):

John Campion, Conservatives

John Campion said his record as PCC over the last eight years - including recruiting an additional 500 officers - showed he could keep communities safe

John Campion was elected the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner in 2016 and again in 2021. He is also a former leader of Wyre Forest District Council.

He said he would look to cut crime further, support victims and survivors, and to put policing back into the heart of communities.

Henry Curteis - English Democrats

Henry Curteis said he would scrap diversity targets within West Mercia Police, and said he would stop police "spying" on social media

A Shropshire-based jewellery manufacturer, Henry Curteis is creative director of the English Democrats.

He has called West Mercia a low-performing force, and argued for an end to "politically correct policing" to ensure budgets are spent on front line officers.

Julian Dean - Greens

Julian Dean has called for the introduction of tri-service safety officers in West Mercia: officers trained as PCSOs, paramedics, and on-call firefighters

Julian Dean is currently the leader of the Green Party on Shropshire Council. He said his priorities would be to protect people, property and the environment.

Sarah Murray - Liberal Democrats

Sarah Murray has called for investment in youth services and a guaranteed police response to burglaries

Sarah Murray is currently a city councillor in Worcester and is a special educational needs teacher.

She said her career in law, education and mental health had made her acutely aware of the impact of cuts on young people.

Richard Overton - Labour and Cooperative

Richard Overton has called for a "complete review" of officer numbers across West Mercia

Richard Overton is currently deputy leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, and cabinet member for homes and enforcement.

He said his priorities would be to invest in community policing, in tackling violence against women, and preventing violent offences such as knife crime.

This election will be judged on a first past the post system and the winner will be announced on 3 May in Telford.