May 3, 2016 11.47 am This story is over 94 months old

Candidates’ reactions: Lincolnshire PCC debate

The four candidates vying for the position of Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner answered questions from a live audience at the Lincoln Drill Hall on Monday, May 2. The debate, hosted by The Lincolnite and BBC Radio Lincolnshire, was streamed live online and broadcast on DAB radio. Those following the action at home could also…

The four candidates vying for the position of Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner answered questions from a live audience at the Lincoln Drill Hall on Monday, May 2.

The debate, hosted by The Lincolnite and BBC Radio Lincolnshire, was streamed live online and broadcast on DAB radio. Those following the action at home could also watch out for the highlights on The Lincolnite’s liveblog.

Candidates faced a range of questions from the audience, with the significance of the role in the county and the ‘independence’ of those standing and representing their political parties brought into the debate.

Giving their reactions after the event had concluded, the candidates agreed that the debate was a success.

Lucinda Preston. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lucinda Preston. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Labour’s candidate Lucinda Preston said: “Hopefully there will be food for thought for the people at home, particularly in relation to the independence of the PCC and whether people are willing to stand as county councillors or not.”

During the debate she had insisted she was “not playing party politics”.

Marc Jones. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Marc Jones. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Conservative candidate Marc Jones, who currently sits on Lincolnshire County Council and is also an executive member for finance and property, said he would give up his finance role, but continue as a councillor if elected.

He was criticised by other candidates for his knowledge when questioned about the force’s currently contract with G4S. He said: “To be criticised to doing a good job in researching and making sure I fully understood an issue is something I would be proud of.”

Victoria Ayling. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Victoria Ayling. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Victoria Ayling, UKIP candidate, stated in the debate that she would immediately stand down as county councillor. She told The Lincolnite afterwards: “I think a lot of people are disillusioned with politics.

“A lot didn’t seem to understand what the role was about and were trying to learn more. However I hope I put them right on where I stood.”

Daniel Simpson. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Daniel Simpson. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire Independents’ candidate Daniel Simpson said after the debate: “I hope that people have left feeling better informed about the role.

“At the end of the day people are concerned about crime reduction, how that’s going to addressed and how people are going to be held accountable for it.”

The video of the debate is now available to watch back in HD: