Federal Executive urges party to stand in Police and Crime Commissioner Elections

Way back in 2011, the then Federal Executive created, shall we say, a little light controversy by deciding not to fund any Liberal Democrat campaigns for Police and Crime Commissioner on the grounds that we didn't support the idea as it concentrated too much power in the hands of one person.

After much discussion, the party did eventually contest 24 out of the 36 contests in England and none in Wales.

The posts are up for election again next May and FE discussed the party's approach to them at its meeting last Monday. This time it's very different. The recommendation FE made was that the party should endeavour to fight every seat. The PCC elections mean that the whole of Britain will be voting for something on the same day (there are devolved elections in Scotland, Wales and London as well as local elections as well) and it's an important test of national opinion.

It's now a matter for the relevant state parties to decide how they want to approach the elections. They will have to decide how any of the seats to contest and who is eligible to stand. Last time, only approved parliamentary candidates were able to stand. However, there is a view that these are local elections and, as in council elections, it should be up to individual areas to decide eligibility and approval.

It seems to me that the Liberal Democrats have a unique view of policing and crime and it would be a great shame not to give people the chance to vote for our more evidence based, practical and sensible policies.

What do you think?

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings