New PCC sets out his goals for Warwickshire

The former Stratford district councillor described how he felt after his victory in four words: exhausted, elated, humbled and privileged.

He said: “This is an engagement role and my first priority will be to speak to communities across Warwickshire on not only crime but the prevention of crime.

“I would like to see more police officers and PCSOs, and I’m very keen on specials.”

Mr Seccombe, a Conservative, paid respect to the independent Ron Ball’s time in the role, and said the alliance between Warwickshire and West Mercia Police should continue. However, he was not in favour of a merger between the two, claiming Warwickshire needs to be represented individually.

He also denied his marriage to Warwickshire County Council leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe would create a conflict of interest. He said: “She is the leader of a county council with a cabinet and portfolio holders. The dealings will be with them and not with my wife.

“If there was a conflict of interest between us we’d make sure not to get involved.”

Mr Ball said: “I’m pleased to see the election result and that from a strong list of candidates, the electorate has chosen Philip Seccombe to succeed me as Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire.

“While I am sad to be stepping away from this role, I know that I can do so leaving a force that is in good shape and which continues to be in safe and capable hands.

“I have no doubt that he will find the job as rewarding and enjoyable as I have and I wish him the very best for the next four years.

Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Martin Jelley said: “I am pleased to welcome Philip Seccombe as the next Police and Crime Commissioner. I look forward to working constructively with him to deliver the Police and Crime Plan and ensuring Warwickshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit where vulnerable members of society are protected from harm.”

Mr Seccombe was elected ahead of Labour candidate Julie Jackson in virtue of voters’ second preferences.

Liberal Democrat candidate Nicola Davies, UKIP candidate Rob Harris, and independent candidates Ben Twomey and David Whitehouse were knocked out of the election after voters’ first preferences failed to produce an overall winner.

As Mr Seccombe and Mrs Jackson had the highest number of first-preference votes at that point, with 31.1 per cent and 25.5 per cent of the vote respectively, the second preferences of the knocked out candidates were added on to the two totals.

Mr Seccombe then became the overall winner with 43,208 votes, with Julie Jackson receiving 35,108 votes.

The turnout across Warwickshire was 26.73 per cent, with 111,900 total votes cast.