THE UNION representing rank-and-file Wiltshire police officers said it worried the delay in re-running the police and crime commissioner elections would put vital funding decisions on hold.

Wiltshire Police Federation chairman Insp Mark Andrews said the situation, caused by successful candidate Conservative Jonathon Seed being declared ineligible for the post due to an old drink driving conviction, was extremely disappointing and that he feared it would be "allowed to fester".

Speaking to BBC Radio Wiltshire, he said:  “I’m worried this process could take four, five, six months until we get someone in charge who can make those long-term budgetary decisions about new police stations, investment into existing police stations, maybe additional police officers and the investment into different departments which I’ve been calling for in my mini manifesto. I just want the best for the cops so that they can do their best for the community.”

He sought to reassure people that police officers would continue to do their jobs despite the commissioner post remaining vacant. 

"We’re ok, we’re managing, and we’ll get through this and continue to serve the public," Insp Andrews added.