Tory victor in Cumbria PCC vote
Conservative Richard Rhodes has been elected as Cumbria's first police and crime commissioner (PCC).
Despite a turnout of less than 16%, Mr Mr Rhodes - chairman of the Cumbria Probation Trust - believes he has a public mandate.
He beat Labour's Patrick Leonard after a count of second preference votes.
Mr Rhodes will set the force's budget and priorities and hold the chief constable to account.
Cumbria's chief constable Stuart Hyde is currently suspended from duty following a misconduct inquiry.
Mr Rhodes said he intended to prove to the public of Cumbria that the role of PCC would improve policing in the county.
16 Nov 2012
- From the section Tyne & Wear