Conservatives disregard Prescott factor as Humberside crime commissioner election winner

HOME Secretary Theresa May believes the Conservatives can win Humberside in November's police and crime commissioner elections, despite Lord Prescott's high profile.

Asked if she thought Labour's former Deputy Prime Minister would be difficult for the Conservative candidate Matthew Grove to beat, Ms May replied: "Certainly not".

She told the Telegraph: "Matthew Grove is a very good candidate. I was up campaigning with him a few days ago and he's excellent. He'll have the best plans for cutting crime in Humberside."

Voters in Humberside will choose from among seven candidates bidding for the £75,000-a-year role on November 15.

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The winning candidate will replace Humberside Police Authority and take charge of its £180-million budget.

In her speech to the Conservative Party conference, the Home Secretary also announced that victims of crime will soon be able to decide how a convicted offender is punished.

Police and crime commissioners will be at the centre of the new system, under which victims will be able to choose from a "menu" of penalties for antisocial behaviour.

The punishments are likely to include compensation payments, repair of damage and cleaning up a public space.

Ms May refused to speculate on the likely turnout in next month's elections, but said: "Whatever the turnout, police and crime commissioners will have a democratic mandate. The police authorities did not."