Chris Nelson elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
Chris Nelson has been re-elected into the role of Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire.
Last updated 3rd May 2024
Conservative Chris Nelson has been re-elected into the role after a narrow win.
The former Cheltenham Borough Councillor polled 47,838 ahead of his predecessor Martin Surl who received 46,352 votes as a Liberal Democrat.
Labour’s Ashley Smith was third with 35,069 votes while Independent Matthew Randolph polled 15,240.
Mr Nelson, who was not wearing a blue rosette, said he will work for all residents irrespective of their political colours.
He thanked all the election count voters, volunteers and his supporters. “It has been an extremely close election, so thank you to all of you,” he said.
“Also to my lovely wife Emma who has been at my side throughout.”
He said he was not wearing a blue rosette because he wants to emphasise he will represent all residents in the county whether they voted for him or not.
“Given it was such a close election it behooves me not to wear a rosette and not make this a political appointment and to do my best to represent the interest of every single resident.
“I just want to work with the chief constable and all my excellent staff to try and try and take the force to be one of the best in the country. I will work extremely hard to do that.”
Total number of ballots cast across the county was 146,357. Turnout was 29.5%
**Result Breakdown**
Chris Nelson - Conservative (47,838)
Matthew Randolph - Independent (15,240)
Ashley Smith - Labour and Co-operative Party (35,069)
Martin Surl - Lib Dem (46,352)
In his election statement, Chris Nelson, outlined his priorities which included employing more police, reducing anti-social behaviour, improving road safety, and tackling serious violence.
Following his win Chris Nelson said: "I'm thrilled, it's been a very close election with less than 2000 votes in it. I want to represent everyone whether you voted for me or not.
"I will continue to work hard, put the hours in, solving people's problems, and getting the whole team to work well within my office and within the Constabulary.
"I need to continue strengthening the constabulary and improve the confidence in the police. We need to do a lot better to encourage the public to believe in the police force and trust the police force."
Voting took place on Thursday 2 May between 07:00 and 22:00.