Shropshire Star

Conservative John Campion re-elected as West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

John Campion has been re-elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Mercia area.

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John Campion at the election count in Telford on Friday. Photo: Phil Blagg Photography

The Conservative candidate, who has occupied the position since 2016, has been returned to the role after votes were cast across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire yesterday, and counted today.

John Campion at the election count in Telford on Friday. Photo: Phil Blagg Photography

He won 73,395 votes. The closest challenger, Labour's Richard Overton, won 63,082.

The role of the police and crime commissioner was introduced back in 2012 and has been intended as a voice of the people to hold the police to account.

John Campion at the election count in Telford on Friday. Photo: Phil Blagg Photography

The commissioners are responsible for the totality of policing – and levy part of a council tax bill to pay for policing.

The West Mercia police area covers the nine voting areas of Bromsgrove, Herefordshire, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcester, Wychavon and Wyre Forest.

A total of 216,239 valid votes were cast across the voting area, and voter turnout was 21.72 per cent.

John Campion received 73,395 votes, or 34 per cent of valid votes cast.

  • Campion, John-Paul (The Conservative Party Candidate) - 73,395 votes: ELECTED

  • Curteis, Henry Malcolm Thomas (commonly known as Henry) (English Democrats - "More Police - catching criminals!") - 21,645 votes

  • Dean, Julian David Geoffrey (The Green Party Candidate) - 22,021 votes

  • Murray, Sarah Philippa Jane (Liberal Democrat) - 33,782 votes

  • Overton, Richard Andrew (Labour and Cooperative Party Candidate) - 63,082 votes