POLLY BILLINGTON and Mike Le-Surf have both backed a Labour proposal to end the role of Police Crime Commissioners (PCC)
PCCs have been in place since 2012 and have had a mixed review. Some see the Essex PCC Nick Alston as a vital link between the public and the police whilst others see his role as a cosy sinecure for a dressed up estates manager.
Their comments come as Labour, at their annual conference, have pledged to abolish them, should they gain power in 2015.
Thurrock Labour’s Polly Billington said: "I want to abolish them. We should be spending money on front line police officers not elected commissioners. The Tory police commissioner cut front line staff in Thurrock".
South Basildon and East Thurrock candidate, Mike Le-Surf said: "I fully support the scrapping of the costly Tory disaster that is Police and Crime Commissioners. Labour will abolish PCCs and give local residents in South Basildon and East Thurrock a legal guarantee that they can help decide local policing priorities and the number of police on our streets.
"We will create a policing contract with the local community, involving councillors and also giving the public direct access in public meetings. The council and the chief constable should be jointly appointing the local police commander."
