Two more candidates for Nottinghamshire police commissioner

Two more candidates have put themselves forward for the post of directly-elected police and crime commissioner in Nottinghamshire.

On Friday, Conservative candidate Mike Quigley announced he was standing down due to an offence he committed 44 years ago.

Tony Roberts, deputy leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, is the new Tory candidate.

Dr Raj Chandran, a retired GP, is standing as an independent.

Dr Chandran, from Ravenshead and a former mayor of Gedling, said he had resigned from the Conservatives as he felt "let down" by the party in terms of law and order.

"I suddenly found myself in a party, which I held in high esteem as a party of law and order that had let me down and has let down the country," he said.

"I want to see more policemen on the road [beat], this is the most important priority.

"Police on the beat will give us a sense of safety when we are out. They need to come out and be seen. This city and county is now rampant with anti-social behaviour and we have to do something to get on top of that."

Mr Roberts said that although he had not expected to find himself as the Conservative candidate, he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"Five or six years ago, policing in Nottinghamshire was at a very low ebb, it was one of the worst performing forces in the country," he said.

"But this has improved significantly and we have to build on this."

He added: "We need to identify possible criminals young. We need to help families break the cycle of welfare benefits and criminal activity."

On Friday evening, the former Conservative candidate, Mike Quigley, announced an offence committed in his youth barred him from standing in the elections on 15 November.

Mr Roberts and Dr Chandran will be up against former Labour MP Paddy Tipping for the job. No other candidates have put themselves forward for the post so far.

The commissioner, who will replace Nottinghamshire Police Authority, will have the power to choose chief constables and is expected to hold officers to account.

The commissioner will also be asked to help develop strategies for cutting crime.

Voters will elect commissioners in each of the 41 force areas in England and Wales outside London on 15 November.