Police seek Crown Prosecution Service advice over aborted PCC election

Conservative Jonathon Seed won the election but could not take up the role due to a historical driving conviction

Detectives investigating an aborted election for a police and crime commissioner have sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Thames Valley Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the election of Conservative Jonathon Seed to the post of Wiltshire police and crime commissioner.

He was voted in but withdrew when a historic driving offence came to light.

A new election for the post is due to be held on 19 August.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "Thames Valley Police are conducting an investigation in relation to the 2021 Wiltshire and Swindon police and crime commissioner election.

"We can confirm that as part of this process the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service has been sought.

"The investigation is ongoing and we are not in a position to provide further comment at this time."

Mr Seed received 40% of the vote in the first round and was elected after it went to a second ballot.

The Wiltshire councillor, who won a combined total of 47% of the vote, had previously insisted he had declared his 30-year-old conviction to the party in his application for the role.

"Party officials confirmed my belief that my offence did not disqualify me," Mr Seed said.

He faced competition from five other candidates for the role, which involves holding Wiltshire Police to account, overseeing a budget and setting its priorities.

Electoral Commission guidance says candidates for police and crime commissioner posts cannot stand for election if they have been convicted of an offence punishable with a prison sentence.