Rainham councillor Mike O'Brien to stand as Kent’s first elected police commissioner
by Alan McGuinness
One of Medway’s most senior councillors has
confirmed he has put himself forward to stand as Kent’s first
elected police commissioner.
Conservative Cllr Mike O’Brien has submitted
his name to party headquarters for the role, pitting him against
Iraq War veteran Colonel Tim Collins.
Col Collins, who has claimed “the bureaucrats
are in charge” of policing, is famous for his speech to troops on
the eve of the conflict.
Another of the Towns’ councillors, Craig
Mackinlay (Con), is in the running.
There can be only one candidate per party.
The election for the job, which has been
introduced by the government to replace police authorities in
holding forces to account, will take place on November 15.
The eventual winner will also have
responsibility for setting the budget and priorities.
Cllr O’Brien is a former insurance advisor and
councilor of 37 years.
He chairs the Community Safety Partnership
between the council, police and other agencies and is in charge of
community safety at the council.
Cllr O’Brien told the Medway Messenger in
February he was keen to recruit more special constables and cut
anti-social behaviour if he wins the election.
24/04/12
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