MAY 4, 2024
By Harry Mottram: Mark Shelford’s term as the police and crime commissioner for Avon and Somerset has ended in the May 2 election after Clare Moody defeated him in a four way contest with a comfortable majority. Mr Shelford for the Conservatives fell victim to the national surge in support for Labour. The Green candidate Katy Grant came in a respectable third place – also a reflection of how nationally the party has seen an increase in support.
The results:
- Clare Moody (Labour) – 95,982
- Mark Shelford (Conservative) – 91,006
- Katy Grant (Green Party) – 64,623
- Benet Allen (Liberal Democrat) – 45,864
The BBC quoted Ms Moody as saying: “My priorities are around bringing policing closer to the communities, neighbourhood policing, tackling violent crime, and particularly knife crime and violence against women and girls. And building prevention work so we can stop crime happening in the first place.
“I’m thrilled to have won this election. It’s a huge challenge ahead, it’s a big job. But I’m really excited. We knew it was going to be tight. To be able to stand here and know that I’ve now got all the work ahead of me, but in that position where I can actually do things. I can make things happen, I can fulfil opportunities in the role.”
The turnout was 23.09% with about 100,000 fewer voters than at the last PCC election in 2021.
The force’s region covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, and Bath and North East Somerset. Since the role’s inception in 2012, Avon and Somerset’s PCC has been served by Independent Sue Mountstevens until 2021 and then by Mr Shelford up until this election.