It seems a bad idea to let each region have a police force led by someone with a political allegiance. However an election is being held on the 15th November for Police Commissioners.
From a simple and non-party perspective it seems that law and order is likely to be best supported by a Conservative or a UKIP candidate. Although at the moment the Conservatives seem to be cutting back the police and saying they can operate more efficiently. Perhaps there is a case for that, but it might be a better idea to make them operate more efficiently and spend some of the saving on more police. The riots in London and around the country a couple of years ago showed how thin and impotent the blue line is when challenged by a violent mob, and the TV programme ‘999 What’s Your Emergency’ shows that more and stronger policing is required.
I read a statement from the Conservative candidate, Tim Ashton, that he wants 20mph speed limits to be widespread. I’d support this in front of schools and perhaps at school finishing times but it seems ridiculous driving at a snails pace in second gear on an empty road for miles like in Garstang and Knott End. For me this counts him out and his statement seems to parrot the party line which is another negative in showing lack of imagination.
For these reasons, although I support membership of the EU and dislike UKIP, on this issue they have my vote.