David Sidwick re-elected as Dorset police and crime commissioner

David Sidwick has kept his role as Dorset’s police and crime commissioner with a significant majority.

The incumbent polled 23,000 more votes ahead of the Lib Dem candidate Howard Legg after the count, held at the BIC in Bournemouth today (Saturday).

Before the election, the former pharmaceutical industry executive said: “This job is about delivering for you – nothing else. I’m bringing back prevention with robust visible community policing and putting victims and communities first.

“The plan is working with Dorset having gone from tenth to seventh safest place in the country.”

Nearly 26% of those eligible across the county voted, with 2,550 ballot papers rejected of the 154,436 received.

Results:

Howard Legg (Lib) 34,774

David Sidwick (Con) 57,994

David Stokes (Lab) 26,884

Marianne Storey (Ind) 32,237

Dorset Police Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to David Sidwick in being re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset.

“We look forward to continuing the progressive and productive relationship we have developed in the last three years and will be ready to assist in the further delivery of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.”

Graham Farrant, returning officer for the Dorset PCC election and chief executive of BCP Council, said: “On behalf of BCP Council, I would like to extend my congratulations to David Sidwick on [his] success.

“BCP Council looks forward to working alongside David as we strive to deliver a safer BCP area and wider Dorset for all our residents, businesses and visitors.”

As reported, Donna Jones was re-elected Hampshire’s PCC after the count was completed yesterday.