Wiltshire Police move to reassure public after PCC election controversy

Policing in Wiltshire will remain unaffected by the Police and Crime Commissioner election controversy.

That is the pledge of the county force following the revelation that the election must be rerun.

The winner of last week's poll, Tory Jonathon Seed, is disbarred from holding the office of PCC because of a past conviction for an imprisonable driving offence.

Wiltshire Council, which ran the election, is securing specialist legal advice after the Conservative candidate was declared the elected Police and Crime Commissioner despite his attempt to withdraw from the process the day before the count.

Kieran Kilgallen, Chief Executive from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), said residents would not notice any changes in the way in which the county is policed, while the OPCC would work with the council to agree the next steps and continue to report to the Police and Crime Panel on performance in the normal way.

He added: “Residents should be assured that their policing service will be unaffected – all officers and staff will continue to work hard to protect residents and make sure that our communities remain safe.

“The strategic direction of Wiltshire Police, and its priorities, have already been set by the outgoing PCC and the current Police and Crime plan remains in place until the end of the financial year. 

"Responsibility for implementing this through operational policing, and the day-to-day running of the Force, remains with the Chief Constable, Kier Pritchard.

“Equally, as the precept has already been determined and the budget is in place, the planned officer recruitment and staffing will continue, alongside any OPCC commissioned or funded services – which also remain in place.” 

Mr Kilgallen confirmed that once current PCC Angus Macpherson, and his deputy Jerry Herbert, finish their term on 13 May, he would oversee the OPCC until the next steps in any legal process were confirmed by Wiltshire Council.

“We must allow the time for our partners at Wiltshire Council to seek specialist legal advice and determine the next steps," he added.

“While this situation is unexpected to say the least, there is a legislation in place for such an eventuality and a process to be followed. 

"I will ensure the OPCC works closely with the council, the force, and other relevant partners.”