A STANDALONE police and crime commissioner election is expected to cost more than £1.5m, Wiltshire Council has said. 

But the tab for the re-run vote, which will take place in August, will be picked up by central government. 

Conservative candidate Jonathon Seed won this month's election with more than 100,000 votes.

However, party bosses were said to have informed him on polling day that he was "disbarred" from the role due to an old drink driving conviction. He was unable to take up the role.

Wiltshire Council said the May police and crime commissioner election cost around £1m, as it was held alongside the town and parish council elections. 

A spokesman added: "A standalone PCC election is likely to cost more than £1.5m; this is paid through government grants to both Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, as both councils are in the Wiltshire Police area."

Thames Valley Police was last week asked by Wiltshire Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the election. The scope of the police investigation is unknown.