John Prescott and rival thrash out visions for top Humberside police and crime role
LORD Prescott traded blows with his fellow Labour contender in their respective bids to become Humberside's first directly elected police and crime commissioner.
The two men outlined their reasons for wanting the top job in the police force at a hustings debate held in the new Grimsby Institute university building.
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Lord Prescott
Both Lord Prescott and his rival, former chief superintendent Keith Hunter, spoke of their visions for the Force if they were elected.
The debate in front of an audience of Labour party activists and councillors came on the same day former Prime Minister Tony Blair backed his former deputy Prescott in his bid to become the directly elected police and crime commissioner.
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Mr Blair said: "John was a terrific deputy to me and someone who understood the need to be tough on crime and the causes of crime.
"That is why I am backing him to be a great police and crime commissioner."
The endorsement was welcomed by Lord Prescott, but Mr Hunter, who has previously been in command of police in Hull, told the Grimsby Telegraph : "I am sure the good people of Grimsby don't need Tony Blair to tell them how to vote."
The 50-year-old walked up to the debating chamber on the third floor of the building – while the former Hull East MP, who is 74-years-old next week, used the lift – and criticised his rival's plan to create a tier of bureaucracy by having commissioner representatives.
Lord Prescott said his campaign was to protect the legacy of Labour's policies on crime and disorder which, he claimed, halved crime.
He attacked the Home Secretary Theresa May's proposals for a new form of antisocial behaviour order and her proposals for a National Crime Agency, adding that he would make Chief Constables answerable to the Home Secretary.
Attacking the centralisation of police and a new tier of bureaucracy, he told Labour party members: "I thought the Commissioner was the one the Chief is answerable to."
He said he wanted the new commissioner and the crime commission panel to tour Humberside's constituencies in the same way he had organised the Government Cabinet to hold its meetings around the country, when Labour was in power.
He said: "By meeting regularly in different parts you de-centralise decision-making."
Mr Hunter, a senior officer with 30 years service in the Force, urged Labour Party members to vote for him, adding that he wanted to have a police crime commissioner representative in each of the 10 constituencies within the Humberside Police area.
He also pledged to appoint a deputy commissioner, but added Lord Prescott had ruled himself out of the deputy's role.
He added that he had been responsible for multi-million pound budgets within Humberside Police, as well as leading murder investigations and redesigning intelligence gathering within Humberside Police and that he believed the new commissioner should also be responsible for partnerships.
He said: "You never know until the votes are cast. I have had really good feedback."
Find out more
The result of the ballot is expected later next month. The first elections for the role of commissioner for each of England's police forces will take place on November 15. Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.
Comments
by notworthit
Sunday, May 27 2012, 10:05AM
“What a choice ? One of these was "part of the problem" at Blunderside police and the other is simply looking for another trough to get his snout into. Will there be a box on the ballot papaer for "Neither of the above" ?”
by ricardo121
Saturday, May 26 2012, 9:14PM
“hope all candidates are made to have a crb / lie detector test”
by Steve_McQ
Saturday, May 26 2012, 3:07PM
“If Fatty Two-Jags gets the job yer all screwed. I thought he would make do with taking a seat in the Lords (something he swore he would never do as a 'good lefty'). Will the New Liebour clowns never just go away??”
by Dexxx
Saturday, May 26 2012, 3:07PM
“Bill Thanks for your response”
by Bill_Igerent
Saturday, May 26 2012, 2:30PM
“@Dexx The full list of prospective Humber PCC candidates for the public participation November elections, are not available as yet.
This 'preliminary' election amongst CLPs and Labour party members only, is to determine Labour's nominated candidate for those elections.”
by Dexxx
Saturday, May 26 2012, 2:17PM
“Where can I find the list of runners ?”
by tukes2
Saturday, May 26 2012, 2:00PM
“Tony B liar is backing Prescot . Thats made my choice easy ,Anybody but him”
by Bill_Igerent
Saturday, May 26 2012, 1:40PM
“To avoid the real risk of tarnishing the Labour party's image and reputation any further. It is to be hoped that the Humber CLPs do the honourable and decent thing; by giving us a suitably fit and proper candidate. In ALL OUR interests!
And crucially, the BEST candidate in the wider interests of Humberside and the future policing of its communities.
Rather than on the basis of the candidates 'ELECTABILITY' and the Labour party's self serving interests! However misguided and ill judged any such campaign tactics may ultimately turn out to be for their party!? ;)
The Humberside electorate deserve and demand candidates with track records of calibre, competence, conduct, credibility and proven professionals. Candidates who give every indication and confidence that can/will do the job and ultimately be a successful and reputable PCC for Humberside!
And crucially; not just any old disreputable, publicly discredited political has been, albeit 'ELECTABLE' buffoon who allegedly 'resonates' (teamprezza speak!!) with the public!
Please for all our sakes and reputation, let the best man win!!”