THE election for a new police and crime commissioner will cost £3.7million.
The Home Office has confirmed the eye-watering amount as the three main political parties named their candidates to replace Bob Jones who died suddenly earlier this month.
Former government minister David Jamieson, who lives in Solihull, has got Labour’s vote while Birmingham barrister Ayoub Khan is the Liberal Democrats’ nomination for the £100,000-a-year job.
The Conservative Party had yet to confirm the name of who it would put forward for the by-election on August 21 as we went to press although a spokesman said a decision had been made.
The money will pay for 1,208 polling stations as well as glossy leaflets to be sent to all homes.
In 2012 the turnout for the original poll in the region was just 12 per cent despite it being the biggest police force area where an election was held.
Mr Jones’ funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday).
Shadow policing minister Jack Dromey MP said £3.7 million could put 158 police officers back on the beat.
Mr Jamieson, who recently lost his seat on Solihull Council to a UKIP candidate, said: “Like Bob I oppose the privatisation of any core policing services.
“Policing is about cutting crime, not making a profit for shareholders.”
Dad of six Mr Khan said: “Crime is falling, but people feel less safe than ever. We need faster police response times. We need better crime prevention and we need reassurance.”
