Why should we vote for you?

The simple answer is my unrivalled skills to make Cheshire an even safer place to live.

I live in Cheshire and this is where I ended my 30-year police career as Assistant Chief Constable. Since retiring eleven years ago I have served as a Councillor and have run my own business. I have policing and public service in my veins and I believe I can make a difference.

Should police officers be routinely armed?

I do not believe they should be. Feelings are running high at the moment following the tragic events in Manchester but snap decisions must never be taken. Cheshire and Britain have the most respected police in the world and, at its core, is the fact the average Bobby is not armed. What we must do is continually review the policies that govern the armed response units and make sure their training is the best it can be.

Do you agree with decriminalisation of drugs?

No, I would rather see an increase in awareness so that people can make informed choices about drugs based on hard facts. It is for this reason that I have been involved as Trustee of a drugs education charity for 11 years. Decriminalisation of drugs would, in my view, simply lead to a drugs free for all and that would be catastrophic for all of us.

Should householders have greater powers to tackle burglars?

Yes but under strict rules. I was delighted to hear that Parliament will introduce legislation shortly to clearly define the rules.

What will be your top priority?

Continuing the fight against crime and that includes yobbish behaviour. We are facing an unprecedented debt crisis and protecting front line policing is central to the job. I will  instigate a root and branch reform of every level of the Constabulary and every penny saved will be handed over to the Chief Constable to enhance front line policing.

How do you envisage using the power to commission policing services from the Chief Constable (or other providers) and what risks do you foresee?

Your question makes it sound like a conflict. It will be a team. I will represent the public and draw up the policing plan. What we do, we do for the good of Cheshire. Crime is down 6% this year so the force is doing something right and something we can take pride in. What the PCC needs to do is free officers up to do more of their good work.

What would you hope to achieve in your first 100 days of office?

Instigate a recruitment drive for our Special Constabulary, set up a sentencing unit representing victims of crime and starting the review that will find savings to be pumped back into front line policing.

What electoral promises will you make regarding the fear of crime, which continues to rise despite the reductions in actual crime?

The simple answer is drive down crime even further. The majority of crime is carried out by a small minority of the people. There is an even smaller group of alcohol or drug addicted individuals who commit dozens of crimes every month. They don’t fear prison and have no job so can’t pay fines. I will form a team to look at Cheshire’s worst 100 offenders who commit thousands of crimes amongst them and we will find ways to help each one individually to wean them off drugs and crime.

Police authorities have been criticised for being invisible. How will you visibly connect with all the diverse communities of your area and bring democratic accountability to life?

The role of the PCC is to be voice of the people. The people will elect the PCC and if the PCC is to be successful then he or she has to listen. I will be holding regular surgeries across the county and make sure the 233 town and parish councils have access to me whenever they want. I am also looking at modern ways to report crime and talk to the force, like a smartphone app.

How do you propose to address the issue of rural communities where there is a minor police presence?

There will be an increase in the Special Constabulary and we will assign Specials to rural communities giving the police a presence and point of contact in communities that often feel neglected. As a PCC I will be speaking with parishes and holding surgeries in every corner of Cheshire.