Cleveland PCC: Barry Coppinger elected for Labour

The former deputy chair of Cleveland Police Authority has been elected as the area's first police and crime commissioner (PCC).

Labour's Barry Coppinger beat Conservative Ken Lupton into first place after a count of second preference votes.

Independent Sultan Alam came third with Joe Michna of the Green Party fourth.

PCCs are responsible for setting the force budget and priorities and holding senior officers to account.

New chief

After the count at Thornaby Pavilion, Mr Coppinger said he was pleased to have come first in voting across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton.

He also called for "Whitehall and Westminster" to learn lessons after a concept he described as "underdeveloped, undersold and ill-thought through" was badly received by the public.

Mr Lupton expressed his disappointment that the candidates could not get their message to a larger number of potential voters.

One of Mr Coppinger's first responsibilities will be to appoint a new chief constable.

Sean Price was dismissed from the role last month after being found guilty of gross misconduct in relation to the role he played in the recruitment of former police authority chairman Dave McLuckie's daughter to the force.

After the count, temporary chief constable Jacqui Cheer confirmed to BBC Tees that she would be applying for the vacant post.

Turnout throughout Cleveland was 14.7%.