Labour's David Allen elected police and fire commissioner
David Allen (Labour) received a total of 38,708 votes, to become the newly elected PFCC for Cumbria
- Published
Labour has won its first ever police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) election in Cumbria, taking the post from the Conservatives on a 22% swing.
David Allen won 38,708 votes, with Tory candidate Mike Johnson on 24,863.
The turnout for the election was 21.17%, according to Westmorland and Furness Council.
Liberal Democrat candidate Adrian Waite received 18,100 votes.
The count began at Whitehaven Sports Centre after polling stations closed at about 22:00 BST on Thursday, and the results were announced at about 04:00 on Friday.
Returning officer Andrew Seekings said the turnout was 82,412, which represented 21.17%, and the number of votes rejected were 740.
Speaking after his victory Mr Allen, a former senior officer with the National Crime Agency, said he felt ecstatic about the result and added: “I am a little bit tired at 04:30 but it was worth the wait, [I'm] delighted.
"My priorities are the same as I've got in my manifesto. Tackling anti-social behaviour, more police back on the streets, tackling rural crime, making sure that we invest in our community assets like youth clubs, making sure we've got a fully funded fire service and tackling domestic abuse."
The count was expected to finish at about 02:00 but it is understood delays at the count in Kendal held up proceedings.
The Cumbria count took place in Whitehaven
The new Cumbria PFCC will set the police budget and appoint the Chief Constable.
They will also take on the governance of the county’s fire and rescue service from the now defunct county council, external.
Mr Allen takes over from Conservative Peter McCall, external, who stepped down after two terms.
Additional reporting by Ian Duncan, Local Democracy Reporter
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