Putting the public first (From Northwich Guardian)

Putting the public first

8:20am Friday 24th August 2012 in News By James Wilson

AN independent candidate has put her name forward to be the person to lead Cheshire Police.

Sarah Flannery, from Davenham, has announced her intention to stand for election as Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on Thursday, November 15.

Business owner Sarah has lived and worked in Cheshire for 30 years and has been heavily involved with community activities and issues during that time.

She also stood for the Tatton seat at the general election in 2010 as an independent.

“I am standing as an Independent because I believe the role of the PCC is about putting the public, not a party, at the heart of policing,” said Sarah.

“The new position of PCC is to be a voice for the people, representing them and their concerns to make sure the policing needs of the many and varied communities which make up Cheshire are met to reduce crime – and to hold the police to account for meeting those needs.”

Sarah’s decision to stand has been backed by the Cheshire Independent Network, a network of Independent councillors and people who believe in the importance of genuinely independent representation of the people at all levels of public life.

Congleton Town Clr Neville Price, chairman of the Cheshire Independent Network, said he believed Sarah was the ideal independent candidate for Cheshire.

“A key role of the PCC is to promote and enable joined-up working on community safety, and commission services from partners that will contribute to cutting crime,” he said.

“Sarah’s background of working with public sector bodies in health and education makes her an ideal Independent candidate as she has a lot of first-hand experience in, and understands how, collaboration can deliver effective results and value for money.

“We are delighted to support her candidacy in this important election for the people of Cheshire.”

Labour has selected Halton Borough councillor John Stockton, while the Conservatives have gone for retired assistant chief constable and former Crewe and Nantwich borough councillor John Dwyer.