THE FIRST candidate has been announced ahead of the election for Wiltshire’s first police and crime commissioner in November.

The Labour Party has selected Clare Moody to be their official candidate, but the Conservative and the Lib Dems are yet to announce anyone for Wiltshire.

Ms Moody is a senior official for the union Unite which, among other people, represents police staff, some of who will transfer to be the responsibility of the commissioner.

She has worked closely with police staff on the Police Reform and Social Respons-ibility Act, which brought in the commissioners; as such Labour says she is aware of the potential of the role, as well as the difficulties.

Ms Moody said: “Given the cuts to the police force it is vital that as much money as possible is spent on policing so my priority would be to actively communicate with the communities of Wiltshire through regular meetings, community groups and the local media.

“I believe the police and crime commissioner should work with Wiltshire Police in supporting neighbourhood policing strategies and, in particular, dealing with anti-social behaviour.”

Phil Gaskin, Labour Party South West regional director, said: “Clare Moody will be a strong advocate for Wilt-shire residents, ensuring that local people’s policing priorities are acted upon.”

Geoff Halls, president of Swindon Conservative Ass-ociation, said the party was in the process of shortlisting candidates, with Wiltshire members making the final decision in around July.

He said: “We want somebody that’s capable of handling the crime situation in Swindon and the crime situation in Wiltshire.”

Tom Marshall, an electoral services officer at Swindon Council, which has been chosen by the Home Office to run the election, said it was too early to tell how much interest there would be in the election.