February 5, 2016 12.28 pm This story is over 96 months old

Alan Hardwick throws in the towel before Lincolnshire PCC election

PCC retires: Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick has confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election for the role in May’s election.

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick has confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election for the role in May’s election.

Hardwick announced his decision at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on Friday, February 5, which discussed Lincolnshire Police’s budget proposals for the 2016-17 financial year.

Plans including a rise in police council tax precept of 1.96% were approved at the meeting, and the current numbers of 1,100 police officers and 149 PCSOs will be maintained.

Alan Hardwick, the first elected Lincolnshire PCC. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Alan Hardwick, the first elected Lincolnshire PCC. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The 66-year-old became the county’s first PCC in 2012, after standing as an Independent.

He said: “I am simply retiring but I can do so knowing that I have achieved what I have set out to do as commissioner.

“Crime has reduced, a fair deal for Lincolnshire is on its way and we continue to deliver performance that is as good as and, in many cases, better than more well-funded police areas.

“Whoever my successor is, I wish them the very best.”

Candidates announced as standing in the election are Marc Jones for the Conservatives and Victoria Ayling for UKIP.

The PCC election takes place on May 5.