Hartlepool councillor puts himself forward for shortlist to become Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner

Councillor Dave Hunter has said he is on the shortlist to become Labour's candidate in the upcoming Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Councillor Dave Hunter, deputy leader of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Labour group, has put himself forward for the shortlist to become his party’s nominee in the election.

PCC Barry Coppinger, who stood as the party’s candidate previously, announced in September he would not be standing for re-election when his term ran out.

Mr Coppinger’s decision came in the wake of a damming report into the force following an inspection report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services rated the force as inadequate in all areas.

Cleveland County Police Commissioner Barry Coppinger has said he will not be running in the hope of retaining his title when elections are held in May.

The election is due to be held in May.

The Mail understands the other person to put themselves forward for the Labour shortlist is Dr Paul Williams, a GP and former MP for Stockton South, who was beaten by Conservative Matt Vickers.

In a Facebook post, Coun Hunter said: “For too long, Labour representatives across Cleveland have seen the communities we serve suffer from Tory cuts that have ripped the heart out of community policing.

“Enough is enough - it's time for us to take a stand and fight back.

“I spent years 11 years working for a crime-fighting charity that dealt with crime of all kinds and which gave me the opportunity to work with Chief Constables and PCCs across the country.

“I have the experience and insight to tackle crime in our areas through more innovative and community-focused solutions both operationally and strategically.

“Make no mistake - the rise in crime across our region is a symptom of Tory austerity, which we all know is far from over.

“We need real and immediate solutions to tackle it - and I believe that if given the opportunity, I can provide them.

“Each area of Cleveland has its own unique issues so a broad brush approach will not work – it is vital that we not only work with our representatives in communities to tackle crime together but actively engage our communities to ensure they become a significant part of a team solution.”